Let's get physical

Alright reader, let's set the record straight ... I am a PE teacher ... and damn proud of it! It has become blatantly obvious during the present political climate that Joe Public does not understand what teachers actually do, but likely one of the more misunderstood teaching positions is that of PE ... or, as it is called these days, HPE - Health and Physical Education. Yes, we play games during class, but the goal of any quality HPE class is "disguised" conditioning ... get the students moving, get their cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems taxed to promote growth, and give their proprioceptive and cognitive systems a fine tuning. Scientific research has proven that doing this for a sustained period on a consistent basis will significantly improve overall health. Let's play a little game ... get the irony?

Myth #1 - HPE teachers have it easy ... you just play games all day, right?
Fact #1 - If this is true then why are so many people nervous about being a substitute for a gym class? Being an effective HPE teacher requires specific organizational, interpersonal, communication, and flexibility skills, to say the least. Every HPE lesson can be broken down into 3 components ... warm up, conditioning, activity ... and getting a class of 25-30 grade 9s to (some what) willingly participate is no easy feat. Think of your own family gatherings and tell me how easy it was to get a consensus about an activity ... no matter what choices are offered, there will be a portion of the class that is not in agreement and, worse, refuse to participate until properly motivated.

Myth #2 - Students loves HPE classes so teaching is really just like a longer recess.
Fact #2 - Let's be honest ... in every HPE class, 30% just want to play games, 20% just want a work out, 25% are okay with moving around a little bit, and 25% DO NOT want to be there ... so not everyone loves HPE. In Ontario right now, the only mandatory HPE credit is grade 9, but choosing to take subsequent courses in later grades only eliminates the 25% of haters. And it's not at all like recess! Every class has been carefully planned to ready the body for exercise (warm up), strategically stress targeted areas with either toning, building or stretching exercises, and place the musculoskeletal + cardiovascular systems under sustained stress through a variety of activities (disguised conditioning) that, at the same time, require refinement of interpersonal, cooperative and proprioceptive skills.

Myth #3 - Kids like to play games so there's rarely any behaviours issues.
Fact #3 - If someone is having a bad day, placing them in an environment where people are (a) chasing them or (b) throwing things at them or (c) bumping into them or (d) trying to take things away from them will usually result in some hurt feelings and, potentially, some disputes. Now mix the group so that there are a wide array of physical and interpersonal abilities, it sometimes feels like oil and fire. Add to this that each year a higher and higher percentage of students generally lead sedentary life styles, translating into discomfort or pain as their biological machine works off the rust ... I think you can understand how opposition grows.


Myth #4 - HPE teachers just sit in a chair, shout, and blow whistles.
Fact #4 - I've taught HPE for 25 of my 30 years and I don't recall ever teaching from a chair ... HPE teachers are generally "doers" so sitting isn't something we excel at. As for whistles and barking, what some may view as orders, I see as coaching. Do we use whistles? Sure, when some sort of refereeing is required ... likely 20% of activities. Do I use a "gym voice"? Sure and I admit it's pretty loud, but if you have 25-30 teenagers "movin' 'n groovin'" in a closed space, the noise is pretty high so to ensure students play safely and properly, they require feedback/reminders of potentially problematic interactions.

Myth #5 - All hormone-enraged teens LOVE sex so health classes are a breeze.
Fact #5 - Can we talk? How many parents have had "the talk" with their teens and how were the parents feeling at the time? Yes, teens are curious ... and they wish answers ... but they are also, IMHO, full of misinformation and discussing this is an appropriately worded manner requires a tap dance the likes of Mr Bojangles. There are obviously subjects that are off limits in the public education system, but by and large, most subjects can be discussed under clearly defined parameters. Personally, I really enjoy health classes because teens these days really need someone who cares to make sure they understand the truth about many of the falsehoods they see on sites they shouldn't be looking at. As a last point, please understand that going from activity-based classes to more traditional style classes can require an adjustment period before the craziness subsides.

I could spend quite a bit more time on Joe Public's misconceptions, but I think you get the idea. While HPE classes are not the same as many remember from their school years, I wouldn't change a thing because I absolutely LOVE teaching it! I suppose it's like the saying, "The grass is greener on the other side of the fence." I wouldn't feel very competent teaching a senior level math class ... I could do it, with a lot of planning, but it would be an intimidating, nerve-wracking experience. I am sure the reversal of that situation would also quite true. I have publicly stated in previous posts that I chose teaching because it was the only way (in Canada) to coach and get paid for it and teaching HPE is really just another form of coaching ... PERFECT! I've heard it said, "Great teachers don't always have the best lessons, but they always have the best relationships with kids." I believe with my heart of hearts that teaching HPE allows me to build trust and understanding that an academic setting wouldn't allow, resulting in some pretty awesome relationships. 

I guess that makes me a great teacher! Good for me!

"It's the most wonderful time of the year ..."

I wouldn't say that I get overly excited about any of the year's holidays, BUT if you forced me to choose, I would admit that Christmas is my favourite time of the year. For me, it's NOT about the visible stuff like lights, presents, traditions, etc, but the subtle change in attitude that sweeps over humanity as good will and empathy become foremost in our thoughts. This old fart wonders out loud why we need a change at all? Why can't those Christmas feelings stay as permanent fixtures of our personalities? I'm sure that there are some really smart people that could answer that for me in eloquent fashion, but I'll take a chance at pissing some off ... IMHO it's a selfishness thing and the whole idea of Christmas gives our psyche a virtual shake to remind us of how to properly treat each other.

As a member of the Educational Community, I am immersed in the post-Halloween ramp up by corporate North America, but from my perspective as a secondary level teacher, I see multiple daily examples of the "Christmas Spirit" exemplified in the attitudes and actions of my students. Case in point, I received a gift right before the break from a student who joined one of my classes late in the semester that "blew my socks off" in both thoughtfulness and amazement. This particular student has some significant physical limitations which confine her to a wheelchair, but those limitations do nothing to impair her attitude, and she took it upon herself to create an aboriginal style wood burning of my spirit animal (a bear ... those that know me will see the irony in that). Attached to her piece of art was short note and Tim's card from her mother, thanking me for showing such kindness to her daughter. I was touched, to say the least, by such a thoughtful display of generosity, knowing full well how difficult this would have been for this student to complete. My teacher batteries were now fully charged!

One of the high school-based traditions that exists in so many buildings on the final day before the holiday break is the annual Christmas concert. I have only taught at two high schools, so my experiences are limited, but the annual showcase of talent that these productions display brings a wide smile to my face each and every time.

My present school's concert is student-driven ... the SAC takes on the organization duties and is supported by the music department ... and is filled with songs, dances, and teenagery type things, but the best parts, IMHO, are the teacher-produced additions that regularly straddle that imaginary line of appropriateness, much to the sheer delight of the students. This year's North concert was no exception and, if the cheers and laughter are indication, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the teacher-generated experience. I was wee bit melancholy the rest of the day since I knew that I had reached the end of my Christmas concert tenure, what with retirement happening in just over a month away. I could still choose to attend them as a member of the audience but the days of contributing were over. Heavy sigh and deep sadness.


Upon reaching home that night, my mood improved significantly when Social Media, being what it is, bombarded my feed with reminders of the shenanigans that occurred at the other high school I was a staff member at. A variety of people had posted snippets or comments about memories they had of the Central concerts they had experienced. The difference between the two schools was a subtle, but significant, one since the Central concerts were teacher-driven with zero student input ... unless you count the impromptu mosh pit that would happen when the teacher band would close out the show.
While teachers would straddle the line in many schools, at Central we took a full step across it AND on many occasions. If you're reading this, and you attended Central as a student or taught there as staff, I am sure your neural pathways are alight with memories of the craziness that was on full display in the Fisher Aud. Having been both student and staff there, I can immediately recall dozens of skits, songs, videos, and "commercials" (Duke of Earl, Brick in a box, BareNaked Ladies, The Gap, the BCC synchro team, Radioactive, Kryptonite, Sugar Plum Fairies, old time Rock 'n Roll, etc) that whipped the 800+ in attendance into a hoarse, gasping mass. In a testament to the sheer popularity, the student attendance on the lead up to the final day ALWAYS paled in comparison resulting in standing-room only.

Click here for a Nickelback parody

Click here for a quick teaser throughout the years

Click here for "A Central State of Mind"

From my family to yours, dear reader, wishes for a very Merry Christmas, a safe and happy New Year, and health, wealth and happiness throughout the coming year. See you next decade!

The Fresh Prince ... Ver 2

It's amusing, this life. As we navigate it's twists and turns, we are faced with scenarios that uplift or disappoint, each with a lesson for us to learn about how we would wish the future to play out. I have a colleague who is somewhat closer to the beginning of his family escapades than Joyce and I, with sons that are still in elementary school. He reached out to me to assist him with running a youth basketball tournament since both of his boys are members of the Barrie Royals Basketball club and he was hoping I would take on the role of gym convenor during the games that his younger son was playing so he could enjoy the action. Of course I said yes, and a Saturday morning was spent with the familiarity of youth basketball and it's sights, sounds ... and smells.

Some of you reading this will recall that I invested a lot of time and energy into the Royals during it's initial development and then continued to coach Keaton until he finally decided to invest all of his energies into rugby. Basketball was the primary focus early on in my development as a coach and I have to admit that watching these youngsters compete and perform stirred something deep inside me. It was a great experience ... mostly.

Part of the role of gym convenor is to ensure that the physical element is functioning ... the minor officials are present and competent, the referees have arrived and have everything they need, the playing surface is in the best shape it can be ... and to ensure that the OBA's (Ontario Basketball Association) ideals are foremost in everyone's mind. That manifests in ensuring that parents and fans conduct themselves in a positive and nurturing manner, something that has been an issue since I started coaching in the early '90s.

I am pleased to report that there was only one scenario that required my attention, but not as pleased as I would have been if there hadn't been a scenario at all. The game started out fairly calmly but tensions increased as the littles put on an energetic, frenetic show. Unfortunately, as luck of the draw, one of the officials was very experienced and one was fairly new, and the lack of experience was quickly recognized by one team's supporters, resulting in what they viewed to be an unfair disadvantage. They began to ruminate, loudly, that this official had "a journey to complete" in the management of the game.

This is where the Fresh Prince comes in ... again.

As I would later find out, many of the more vocal participants were moms and dads who felt that they understood the game better than the official and wished to show everyone in the gym HOW MUCH more they knew. As an old fart, with years of coaching experience, I am used to parents voicing their disagreement with my decisions in leading the team or the interpretations of the rules being made by the officials. When that disagreement becomes personal in nature, that crosses a line of decorum that begs to be addressed. Sadly, when addressed, it more often that not deflects the displeasure from the official to squarely on the convenor's shoulders, and can oft times become animated.

I chose to relocate myself, assuming a position in front of the most vocal group, both as a visual reminder to them of what they had agreed to when they signed their child up for youth basketball ... the OBA has a parent and player behaviour contract that is a part of the registration. My presence was not welcomed BUT did serve to soften the attack for a little while. The game was a hotly contested affair and was tight as it would down to it's conclusion. In my experienced eyes, calls were missed against both teams equally. I feel qualified to evaluate officials because I was an official for a number of years, eventually becoming a part of the OCAA panel, and had been a part of the development of new officials. Unfortunately, the hoard did not possess the same level of patience ... because NCAA scholarships and pro contracts were being handed out that day ... said no one ever.

When the personal attacks recommenced, I stepped in to address to most vocal, requesting that they recall the contract they had signed, to calm themselves down, and to support their side in a positive manner. One father mistakenly assumed that I was looking for an argument, turning his displeasure to me, which I felt was better for the kids. I used the "Broken Record" technique to repeat a consistent message but, in the end, we agreed to disagree when his wife jumped into the mix. She had some choice words but her message was that I was discounting her husband's point ... because he was a coach, don't you know, like that gave him some sort of license to act like an arse. I am pleased to report that the game finished without anyone having to be removed from the gym and I felt that the issue was over. NOPE! That same gentleman sought me out for further debate after the game. Suffice it to say, he made his point, to which I acknowledged had some merit because he was adamant that the official bearing most of the attack was inexperienced ... which was true ... and I revisited my point that there was a level of decorum that was expected. We ended the conversation with a polite handshake to signify that we understood each other's point.

I continue to be astounded by the decisions that parents make while their offspring are involved in sporting activities. This is not a basketball issue, but rather, a youth sport issue that I have seen throughout my career in the wide variety of activities I have coached or parented. Do these vocal minority really feel they are doing their sons or daughters justice by behaving in this manner? Do they not see that many of us look disparagingly at their lack of self-discipline and the damage that is doing to their child's development? The obvious answer is that they do not. The whole statement about living vicariously through their child was in FULL display! As my dear departed father would often tell me, "You can't fix stupid." I am not alone in this, but the message that resonates the most with me is Frank Martin's, head basketball coach at South Carolina ... Click here for a video on this ... Frank says it as bluntly as you'd like. Having invested so much time and energy in educating youth, it's as irritating as "burr under the saddle" to see the disservice to the kids. One of the most thought provoking messages I ever heard came from Geno Auriemma, head basketball coach at the university of Connecticut ... Click here for Coach Auriemma's message ... about what high level coaches are looking for in players they recruit. Thankfully, in the end, this is an issue that centers around a small proportion of parents, but my prayers are for everyone involved that the same small number don't destroy the good for all, with less and less good, competent people choose to become involved in youth sports, be it coaches or officials,  to avoid the haranguing at the hands of a vocal minority.

I'll cut off this never-ending debate with this ... Click here to read from Changing the Game Project
Hopefully we will see a positive change before my grandchildren join whichever team they may choose.

The phenomenon called Kempenfelt Cup

One of the new holiday school traditions that I have been indoctrinated into as a result of transferring to Barrie North is the phenomenon called Kempenfelt Cup, a one-day high school hockey tournament that is played at the Sadlon Centre (formerly the Barrie Nolson Centre). The idea behind the KCup is to celebrate high school hockey, increase school spirit and donate a tidy sum of much-needed cash to Barrie's Christmas Cheer.

The KCup was one of a few things we did not participate in at Barrie Central because we didn't have high school hockey, at least not while I taught there. I know that at times in the past, the Central Redskins would battle all comers at the famed Dunlop Arena, the place that many a Barrie old-timer professed to be the "BEST ICE" in Barrie, which of course WAS right beside Central. One of the arguments that I always heard for NOT having hockey at Central was the staff felt that the students were playing enough hockey outside of school and didn't need to add it to the list of things they were doing outside the class room. Since I'm not a hockey guy, I never really missed it.

Which leads me back to the KCup. I volunteered at my last one recently, at least as a teacher. Although I already pointed out that I'm not a hockey guy, I'm still VERY much Canadian and love a good showing of our national pastime as much as any other Canuk. For those who have never been blessed with attending, the deal is that 5 schools enter a Boys' and a Girls' side, sell tickets + T-shirts to their student body, practice a bunch of pep-rally style cheers and dances, then "skip" a perfectly good school day in support of their school's team. The school mascots are there, the community gets involved by helping to subsidize costs, and in the end, Barrie's Christmas Cheer wins big.

The quality of hockey is pretty good with each school having a cadre of "A", "AA" or even "AAA" quality players to support the high school trained ones and are guided by some pretty passionate and knowledgable teacher-coaches. This year's bragging rights became the right of Eastview's Girls and Bear Creek's Boys. Barrie North was well represented but came up a little short. The girls lost their opening game but then won their second in an upset to qualify for the championship vs perennial powerhouse Eastview. Despite a brilliant effort by our Viking goalie, it was clear that Eastview had a deeper bench, securing the 2019 KCup 2-0. The boys fell on some hard luck losing both of their prelim games in shootouts. I quite enjoyed watching the boys since a few of them are in my HPE classes. In the Boys' championship, Bear Creek bested Innisdale 3-1.

Many of you know that I fancy myself as an amateur shutterbug and today was a great opportunity for some action snaps. One of the great challenges with shooting the action at any hockey arena is lighting, coupled with shooting through the plexiglass. Perhaps it was my grey-coloured beard or maybe a sense of pity, but I was able to quietly sneak into the little booth between the team benches and snap to my heart's content without managing the plexiglass. You can view the action by clicking KCup photos 2019 and going to my Central/North Athletics photo sharing site. I always enjoy sharing my craft with the students and I'm sure that this latest effort will bring some smiles once again.

Many thanks to the businesses that support KCUP. Barrie is continually hit for support and I'm never disappointed by the generosity show by the local business owners. I can't recall all of them, but Georgian College, Lakehead University, and Georgian International were the headliners.

Put a little LUV in your heart

As the song lyrics by Annie Lennox and Al Green say, "Put a little love in your heart ..." It's well into December and I'm feeling an emptiness deep inside. I'm not depressed ... I have BCC Teacher's Assembly withdrawal. If you're reading this, and you have no idea what I'm talking about, I am deeply sorry that you missed one of the greatest holiday traditions that died an early, fiery death with the closure of Central in 2016. There are other schools that have holiday concerts ... Barrie North is one ... but with apologies, I'm completely biased about the phenomenon that was the annual display of creative genius filling the Fisher Auditorium on the last day prior to holidays. It was a long standing affair ... I vividly recall the ones from my years as a student at Central ... with a professional flair thanks to the incredible Fisher Aud full-sized stage, allowing for fan favs like the GAP commercials, Bare Naked Ladies, Sugar Plum fairies, and the Teacher's Rock Band. I was able to save videos of a few from my time at Central but I've yet to figure out how to post them for all to see since they are huge files. Here's a teaser ... Trailer for THE LAST BCC Teacher's Assembly Perhaps that adds to the mystique with witnesses having to rely solely on their own memories. There's a much needed smile across my face right now as I recall all of that silliness.

In the latest of my LAST experiences in education, I'm fast approaching my last holiday break and all of the pre-holiday excitement that fills a school. The Barrie North SAC posters about the dress-up themes are taped in a variety of locations, the "Ugly" sweaters have started to make appearances (including my own!), the Christmas Cheer campaign is ramping up and, with it, the excitement of the Kempenfelt Cup hockey tournament, and teachers are urging their students with overdue assignments to buckle down so that what few marks are still available are realized. It's always a VERY busy time in any high school.

I confess that lately I have found it a little too easy to slide into a negative mindset, thanks largely to the labour dispute and its political actions, so anything that helps brighten the mood is much appreciated. Thankfully, I really only need to be present in my classes each day to be supplied with numerous scenarios with uplifting qualities, things that make me laugh right out loud or burst with pride for the accomplishments of students fully engaged in their learning.

With a tip of the hat to David Letterman, here's my top ten recent smile-maker educational moments:
Number 10:
The sincere thanks and handshake of a young one in my class in appreciation of how much fun they had that day.
Number 9:
The honks and waves that far outnumber the single finger salutes as cars pass my colleagues and I as we do the sidewalk shuffle in our political battle with Ford Nation.
Number 8:
An "AHA" moment that was blessed on a photography student that I was reviewing an abstract technique with that resulted in that student rushing up to me later to share the results of that understanding, eyes sparkling and a look of pure excitement.
Number 7:
After communicating with a parent of a student that has struggled with attendance lately and expecting a lengthy string of excuses, I received a long reply thanking me for all of the time, understanding and care I have shown their child plus thanks for standing up to Ford Nation on behalf of all students.
Number 6:
The gratitude offered to me for helping a colleague with a holiday gift project that required some Photoshopping that was pretty simple but greatly appreciated.
Number 5:
The messages of encouragement and thanks that have been directed my way over email or social media for the effect that my involvement has had and prayers that I and my colleagues will be able to continue to fight for the preservation of a quality educational system.
Number 4:
During a spirited game of indoor soccer, one of my less athletically-gifted students completely "stood on his head" for a 15 minute shut out, to the consternation of his classmates, resulting in one of the greatest smiles of pride I've ever witnessed.
Number 3:
During the warm up of a recent boys' basketball game, an unprompted compliment about the effect that I've had on school sports over my career was offered over a firm handshake, a wide smile and pat on the back.
Number 2:
One of my photography students shared some pieces she created that knocked my socks off, displaying incredible creativity and skill, bringing a twinkle in my eye and a swell of hubris that warmed me thoroughly.
AND Number 1:
All the well wishes, congratulations and "Have you started counting the days?" questions from students, parents and colleagues as they recognize that the end of my final semester is not very far away, highlighted by my dear friend Ron Andrews who is organizing a Retirement Road Trip on my behalf ... details to follow.

As the saying goes, "ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING!" and I'm going to choose to have a great one!

Education's dirty little secret

If you stop any Joe Public as they carry on about their daily lives, and ask, "What is compassion?" I am pretty confident that an over whelming percentage would be able to voice an answer that is pretty close to a standard definition. So, with that in mind, let's agree that we understand what compassion is. The much harder question that begs to be asked, "When was the last time you demonstrated compassion to a total stranger?" Hmmmm, my confidence level for a positive answer is slipping. I believe strongly that one of the innate characteristics of people who choose education as their career is a naturally high level of compassion and it is this quality that is failing my colleagues at record rates these days. Let me explain ...

Each and every school year, any teacher or education worker is given a large number of strangers to care for. Argue all you wish, I'll stick with my definition that my assigned students are strangers. In 29 years, I have very rarely taught the children of really close friends so, by that definition, my students are strangers. Having said all of that, I can also confidently proclaim that I have extended compassion to all of the 8000 or so students and athletes I have interacted with over my career.
(NOTE: That's not an exaggeration ... counting all of the teams, classes, clubs, and camps I have been involved with, the 8000 or so is accurate.)
Where the fatigue comes into play happens when you over extend that compassion to the more and more needy students that walk through our class/gym doors each and every day. When the compassion extends beyond the walls of the classroom and past the hours of school, day after day, week after week, month after month, it wears a person down, like a giant weight around the neck.

Let me say this though, I am not using this blog to point fingers at a perceived lack of parenting skills. However, that doesn't change the fact that the neediness of my students/athletes has increased steadily over the past 29 years. More students have poor sleeping habits thanks in part to technology but also crazy scheduling. More students suffer from poor nutrition not because they can't afford good food but because they are allowed, IMHO, too much say in what they will or won't eat. More students are suffering from anxiety thanks in part to the previously mentioned technology but also from a lack of exercise and socialization resulting from our "couch potato" or "cocooning" lifestyle. More students are victims (yes, victims) of failed marriages/partnerships and are silently screaming to both biological parents to pay attention to them. More students are being raised in this "everyone gets a trophy" culture and haven't been taught how to accept a NO or a failure.

Click here for an article about this

Enter a teacher, huge heart, massive compassion, and endless empathy, trying (but often failing) to find minutes, a consequence of ridiculous curriculum demands, to nurture every child and meet all their needs academically, socially, emotionally, psychologically. When the worry extends beyond the classroom walls and the school day, and there's a traumatic event in the personal life, that's when compassion fatigue sets in. Just so we're clear, Political action can be seen as a traumatic event.

Well then, the obvious question is what do you do about it? Solving the children's problems is nigh unto impossible so each teacher needs to find a personal solution. Should we try to care less? Likely not going to happen ... hardwired into our character. Should we look for more supports? Again, likely not going to happen as educational costs are being reeled in. Should we take better care of ourselves, and in doing so, reduce the effects of CF? Now that's a plan! Any sentient adult knows how to do this ... eat better, sleep more, exercise more, find time to unwind, etc. When you're in the throws of your own busy family life, that's a tall order, but the consequences of not trying will be dire and that's not going to help anyone.

I'll let you in on a little secret ... You want to help a teacher friend that you might have? Ring them up, ask to meet for a bevy, ask them to tell you about their classes, REALLY listen, and then - most important - tell them you understand, you think they're doing a great job, you're there to talk anytime. Trust me! I've been in these conversations and they really, really help "charge the batteries". Never, ever underestimate the power of compassion to help someone in need.

In the end, if we don't support teacher's efforts to educate our children, we will all pay the price ... collectively. Ask yourself this ... "Do I really want the best the Education System has for my child? Or, am I okay with satisfactory?" It does't cost much to listen, just time and the price of a beverage. Count me in!

"He ain't heavy ... He's my brother!"

As a long overdue occasion, I recently invited 2 of my brothers to share a meal with me. In case you don't know, there are 4 brothers in my family but our youngest one lives in BC, so it would have been an expensive commute. There wasn't anything wrong, no family emergency, no illness, only my desire to reacquaint ourselves, something that we haven't been good at doing in recent years.

Many of you may not know that my parents are saints ... not the religious type but the "Oh my Lord" type ... because they raised 4 very different sons, something that my mother wears like a badge of honour. The "Four Warts", as my father so affectionately coined us, were a challenging set of personalities to manage as we navigated the trials and tribulations of growing up. We were what many would call a prototypical set of siblings, so much so that my mother actually introduced us all to a book called "The Birth Order Book", by a psychologist Dr Kevin Leman, that accurately outlined that each son's differences were a part of some galactic plan based on the order we arrived. Was it astrological hobnob like horoscopes? Or was there some truth? Or, more likely, a little of both? It was still an intriguing read, either way.

The First Born: Over half of Presidents and Prime Ministers were firstborns. Clearly, firstborns are natural leaders. They also tend to be reliable, conscientious and perfectionists who don’t like surprises. Although, firstborns are typically aggressive, many are also compliant people pleasers. They are model children who have a strong need for approval from anyone in charge.
I'm the first born boy which means I am the one that was the focus of all the Dr Spock stuff, molding me into the role of the rule follower, the pleaser, the perfectionist. As a direct result of that, I emulated my father and his athletic prowess, focusing a lot of time and energy in the hopes that I could live up to the surname, matching my father's high school successes by winning athlete of the year upon graduation then following in his footsteps to play football at Queen's U. As I look back on my life, I can see that what I thought were choices were really influences ... I unconsciously tried to match my father's athletic success while, at the same time, my mother's teaching successes. Let me be clear, that is NOT a complaint! I am very content with how my life has played out and I DO NOT for a second regret the choices I've made. I chose teaching, or rather it chose me, after I discovered I didn't have the academic discipline to pursue medicine, using coaching as my community service to align with the family ideals that dad demonstrated through Rotary International.

The Middle Born: They are guaranteed to be opposite of their older sibling, but that difference can manifest in a variety of ways. Middle children often feel like their older brother gets all the glory and because the middle child feels that the world pays him less attention, he tends to be secretive; he does not openly share his thoughts or feelings.
As previously stated, according to Dr Leman my brothers had no choice to to be the way they are, based on the order they arrived. Accordingly, my next younger brother avoided competing with me in athletics (although he was still above average) and embraced education, more specifically technology, when he developed a fascination with computers early in life, resulting in a very successful career path of owning his own business first as an Apple reseller then as an Apple Warrantee Specialist. Much as I hate to admit it, he has always displayed the greatest intellect of all 4 boys, quick with a quip, a factoid, or an informed opinion. "Every family needs a Geek." he says, and he embraces that role ... and I'm eternally grateful to him for keeping my own family's tech working the way it's supposed to. He also inherited our parent's sense of duty following our father into Rotary International, serving on both Barrie's executive and provincial executive. Not one to sit on his laurels, he has also embraced 3-D printing technology and has a busy sci-fi replica business. He really is quite an amazing dude.

The Middle Born Ver2: There are exceptions to every rule and if there is a second middle child, they will still tend to be opposite of their older sibling, but that difference can manifest in a variety of ways. 2nd middle children often feel like their older brothers are too difficult to compete with so they carve out a niche for themselves that is uniquely theirs. 
The 3rd brother in the sequence didn't want to compete with number 2 academically, and with 6 years between us, didn't have to worry about competing with me in athletics since we didn't even attend high school at the same time. Oh, understand me, there were LARGE expectations placed on him by the coaches at our high school! "So you're Doc's kid and Porter's little brother?" they'd comment with one eyebrow raised. My brother was an outstanding high school football and rugby player, though he did play other sports too, and was blessed with a razor sharp mind that supplied those around him with a never-ending series of hilarious one-liners. Accompanying this, he embraced the Rebel role that Dr Leman accurately predicted, and pawned it off on a Doctor diagnosed "fold" in his brain. All kidding aside, he is one of the most generous, "salt of the earth" individuals I know, maintaining a core of very loyal friends since his high school days. He is a shining tribute of what it means to be a father to his two sons.

The Last Born: Babies of the family are social and outgoing, they are the most financially irresponsible of all birth orders. They just want to have a good time. Knowing that these kids love the limelight, last borns may be charming, they also have the potential to be manipulative, spoiled or babied to the point of helplessness.
That leaves the 'Baby", my youngest brother, who is 8 years younger than me and, as a result, didn't have to compete with me in most things. He did go to school with his closer-aged bothers so he avoided the activities that number 2 excelled at, avoided competing with number 3's field success by embracing court sports like volleyball and basketball, and became the 2nd person in our family to win athlete of the year, at the same high school, none the less. Interestingly enough, while brothers #1 and #2 were more science-minded, #3 was more trades-minded, #4 was more art-minded and leaned towards English studies, gifted with the widest vocabulary of the sons. Staying with Dr Leman's predictions, he embraced the, "I'm the baby ... Gotta luv me!" mentality and is the only one us with a nickname ... isn't that right, Uncle Buddy? Having said all of that, he is generous to a fault, loyal beyond doubt, and has an amazing sense of humour. 

The last few years have been challenging. We spent a lot of time together as a family growing up (we had a pool and were quite popular as a result) and, following some post-school escapades, all settled back in our home town with our new families and regularly got together at our family home on Sunnidale Road. As life would have it, things slowly changed over the years, what with our father passing in 2006, and our mother finally relinquishing the old homestead in 2017, downsizing to a condo. Wart #2 has been hosting the special occasion dinners but we really haven't spent very much time together, just the brothers, talking and sharing. Retirement planning has been a reminder that we are all well into middle age and I think we should work a little harder to stay connected ... hence, the dinner invitation. I am please to report that we most thoroughly enjoyed each other's company, in addition to some pretty tasty wings, and have decided to start a new family tradition. As Tim Burtch, our cousin by marriage, says so often, "Life is GOOD!"

Snow Day ... And I feel like a Super Hero!

Today was the first snow day of the 2019-2020 school year and it was a very different experience than I have previously been blessed with in my lifetime.  

Snow Days as a kid: Toboggan all day!
Snow Days as a Teen: Basketball all day!
Snow Days as a young Adult: Shoveling ... AGAIN!
Snow Days as a young Teacher: YES! Marking all day long!
Snow Days as an almost retired Teacher: I'm a Super Hero!

Let me explain ...
When you have ZERO responsibilities, snow days amount to a sleep in, shits 'n giggles with friends, and hot chocolate to warm up. Yes, I am really old, and I spent snow days OUTSIDE! Even when you make into your teens, it means even MORE shits 'n giggles with your buds because you all XC ski into school so you can play hoops all day long. And we weren't too cool to have that hot chocolate afterwards!

When you have limited responsibilities, snow days usually mean loads of shoveling then trying to make it to your minimum wage job for fear of being fired. I can remember numerous scenarios as a young adult, taking my very life in my hands, and driving 10 kph the whole way so that I could keep my $4.25 / hr part-time job. I was such a noob!

There was a complete change of heart that accompanied a snow day as a young teacher because LOADS of planning and marking could get done without disruptions ... And nothing would be taken home! I can recall a number of times, crossing the home threshold with a HUGE smile on my face because I got 5 solid hours of work done and wasn't bringing any homework, only to be greeted by my young daughter and son, cup of cocoa in hand, excited to tell me about the day's awesomeness.

Today was a snow day and I'm only 5 school weeks from my last set of exams. You'd think that I'd have arrived at school, Tim's in hand, ready to tackle that stack of student papers on my desk! Except there isn't a stack ... because I've already marked them ... because I'm not coaching ANYTHING right now and I have discovered an hour each and every day is available to stay on top of my marking. I caught myself standing at my desk, chest proud, hands on my hips, look of sheer success on my face ... it took 29.5 years for it to happen, but happen it did, I had become a super hero! So, you might be curious, how did I spend the day? I set up shop in the main gym and volunteered to supervise the few students who braved the snow (or their parents forced them out the door?) enjoy a little exercise, while freeing up time for my colleagues to tackle their stack. It was a win-win for everyone and I felt like a lottery winner because of it! It blessed me with some time to write this post. It blessed me with time to have an un-rushed, heart to heart with the few students who did show up. It blessed me with time to follow up on some prep work for my exams.

Being a realist, I understand that living in a snow-belt town like Barrie means that the likelihood of another snow day occurring before I retire has a stronger chance to happen than not to happen. If it does, I'll dig out the cape, the gloves, the mask and the proud stance of success again. Don't let anyone tell you any different ... Life is GOOD!

Back on the picket line ... again.

As many of my non-education-worker friends and family so often remind me, it seems like every four years there's a crisis in education created by whichever party is elected to power. It makes perfect sense, as my business-minded friends and family also comment, when you consider that the cost of education is on line 2 or line 3 of the Ontario budget and something has to be done about the Ontario deficit. As you are all blatantly aware, many times that does not lead to political action, but when the fiscal belt is to be tightened, both the government and the educational federations dig their heels in and THIS GUY has to walk the picket line again (three times now) with political action shaping up to be a reality. I'd like to take a second to remind everyone that education workers are also tax payers, are also scared to death about the deficit, and also have hope that a solution can be found. We're willing to be a PART of the solution.

I'm not what I would call a "Union Guy" but I do fully support the decisions that OSSTF makes and that can often lead to difficult conversations with people I hold in high esteem, like my brothers or close friends. Every time there is a development that requires a strike vote, I do the research, sprinkle in my conscience, and exercise my democratic right to vote. If the majority feel differently than me, IMHO, that is the time I shut up and follow OSSTF's lead because the one thing that all of my sports experience has taught me is that the good of the team will always trump the good of the individual. I can't enjoy the to positives of being in a federation without accepting the negatives so, when instructed, the sidewalk shuffle it is. In the end, the reason for doing this is to ensure that the Ontario education system continues to be respected internationally.

This whole collective bargaining process seems, to me, to be fraught with pitfalls as each side reports very different observations of what has transpired and where the obstacles lay. If I choose to believe solely in OSSTF (and I do because them lying to all of us would be unfathomable), the government is playing dirty pool by out and out fabricating details. Just this past week, I saw Minister Lecce's presser where he said that the unions had walked away from the table after his team had offered the same deal as CUPE, while at the same time reading a report from OSSTF that the CUPE deal had not been even mentioned and they were sitting at the table waiting for the Minister who was supposed to be there ... and not doing a press conference. I'm left wondering why the government can use my tax dollars to spread untruths with no repercussions. How is that allowed? Where is the Ombudsman, or something like that?

I was recently a part of a protest at my local MPP's office, OSSTF flag in hand, Colleagues by my side, and was warmed by the number of cars who drove by honking horns and waving. It wasn't 100% but it was certainly near 50% ... I apologize to my OSSTF brethren, but that arouses some trepidation political action will alienate those that are presently supporting us. The Ford Nation parent survey came back overwhelmingly in support of education workers and I can empathize with the frustrations of parents who feel that they are powerless and caught in the middle of two sides that don't wish to budge. I have written before that I truly feel that Ford Nation is not interested in brokering a deal because they will stand to save 100's of millions when teachers exercise their legal right to strike and, IMHO, will simply wait until the cash register dings long enough, then legislate teachers back to work. I completely admit that there is much that I do not know about the entire process of collective bargaining and have placed my faith in those I trust to tell me what I need to know. I'm left to take a "leap of faith" that the provincial OSSTF team will always make decisions with the front-line workers in mind.

As the song lyric goes, "... what it all boils down to, I haven't figured out just yet ..." but I will be right there with my fellow education workers, standing up for our province's children, exercising my democratic right to speak out about things that I truly believe are wrong-doings. I hope that you'll wave and honk your horn as you drive by, as thanks for fighting for your kids.

Beware the Dark Side ... of the court!

If you've read some of these posts, it comes as no shock that I have crossed over ... not in the Heavenly sense though ... Crossed the court, the pitch, the field to sit on the "Dark" side with the fans and parents. If this is your first read, you're likely thinking, "Why would P not be coaching?" I won't answer that here - Click here for that blog - but I am (so far) enjoying being a fan.

The fall season was not too bad because I would have normally been coaching the Sr Girls. Now, before anyone calls Human Resources on me, you need to understand that while I really enjoyed the refreshing change of Sr Girls Basketball for all those years, my heart will always be to the Sr Boys Basketball program, with a couple of rare exceptions like 2011 (the girls know what I'm talking about). Sorry, but not sorry. I recently took in the Sr Boys home opener of North vs Collingwood and it certainly prompted a very different set of feelings. I harboured a nervous ache prior to taking my seat that I would be enticed to offer advice, input or modifications but I steeled my resolve to play my role as fan ... cheer but don't coach ... Oh, the blog post that could discuss the lack of that discipline by fans and parents over the years ... that post will never happen, though.

I was blessed to coach these guys for my
final 5 years of coaching!

Looking back to last winter, I have to admit that I was a little worried after last year's Sr Boys season because I wasn't sure who was going to be able to take over the program. A young teacher at North, Mike Alcombrack, was eager to take the reins but was very unsure what the future held for him with the changes being made to the Education System. Thankfully, Mike was able to secure full time employment at North and was "hot to trot" as the saying goes. Watching the lads battle under the watchful eye of Mike was a real treat because there's a TON of potential there with the returners, the juniors who moved up up, and a new-to-North point guard. Mike is a passionate guy and that's likely why we get along so well ... As Forest Gump says, "We're like peas and carrots" ... but the thing that others may not understand is that Mike is a very talented coach who creates and maintains really positive relationships with his players. Watching him interact with them during the game, I can see the players are prepared to work really hard for him. My only regret was that I had left my trusty Nikon at home so action shots will have to wait for the next home game ... Sorry guys!

Becoming a fan brings other benefits that I hadn't anticipated:
For one, I got to watch the game without having to think 3 steps ahead and that meant that there was a much higher level of enjoyment for this hoops junkie. Being able to appreciate the spectacle rather than planning to get the DUB was liberating!
Secondly, I found that I truly enjoyed the sheer spectacle of the game rather than analyzing and correcting misgivings of the players because they weren't "My Guys" ... it was okay that they missed the shot, or rebound, or box out because they were competing with all they had. I had missed a lot of that as a coach. Oh, let's set the record straight, I was all twisted up inside with some of the play as the coaching instincts bubbled to the surface, but I actually found myself laughing out loud as enjoyment became the forefront feeling.

One thing I thought would be a problem turned out to be a moot point. I was cognizant of thoughts that might question Mike's decisions because I confess to all of you that some of my successes on the court/pitch/field were directly tied to my confidence in myself to manage and adjust, so I prepared myself for those moments ... which thankfully never came. How great is that? I was able to be Cheerleader #1 for both Mike and the lads. The only negative of the night for me was having to leave at the end of the 3rd quarter because I had a date night with my wonderful wife that I wasn't about to be late for.

One last thought ... it dawned on me, as the game unfolded, where were the rest of the fans? I've never found myself pondering that in the past. If this is amazing entertainment was what high school sports offered, why was it only a handful of fans and family? It really is worth making the trip to your local school to support these teens as they learn the important stuff not covered in textbooks and lectures. If you're a sports fan, and you have the time to fill, you could really do yourself a favour by occupying your personal little space on the "Dark" side ... Trust me, you won't regret it.

BTW: I'm sorry to report that the Fighting Owls were a little better than the Vikings on that particular night. It's a long season, though, and I'm sure there will be plenty of action in the future.