The Juggle

November 15, 2021
As the school term, and the year draws to a conclusion, I reflect below the ‘juggle’ I have endured as the teacher; educating through Lockdown, preparation back to Face to Face, and also, being back Face to Face learning, whilst being the Principal of Puzzle Tutoring. I will illustrate the insights of this new role, as well as outlining some plans moving forward into the near future.

Teaching in Lockdown
On Friday, October 22, at my School’s Staff Briefing, my Principal informed us that we have been Home Learning since July 12. In my current role, as a Primary PE Teacher, the requirements during Term 3 were minimal compared to other Classroom Teachers. I ‘voluntarily’ opted into Zoom Sessions across each morning and afternoon, to support all teachers with their delivery of their zooms. This was insightful as I was able to witness
various teaching and delivery styles from teachers across Kindergarten to Year 6, and observe how they were able to tailor their delivery to suit the needs of the students before them, virtually.

Term 4 Preparation and Transition for Face to Face.
The preparation has been difficult due to the ambiguity caused by the ever-changing implement of restrictions amid Lockdown. This caused not just me, but all teachers across all teaching systems, bewilderedness and no doubt frustrations, as we would have prepared various lessons for one week, for everything to be eradicated due to a new change set upon
by the government. The silver lining of this process did vindicate that teachers are very flexible professions which unfortunately, is not recognised by many, but the COVID-19 impacts from 2020 to 2021 would unequivocally show this trait which all teachers have. The transition to Face to Face learning has been extremely welcoming. It is such a great feeling to be back delivering content with students before us, rather than virtually. Despite the effectiveness of Zoom delivery through the usage of various educational platforms, it is very difficult to beat the Face to Face setting with a mixture of teacher-led, student-led, group tasks, individual tasks, and many strategies which can be executed inside or outside a
classroom.

Principal Life
The delivery of content whether it is through Face to Face or an Online Platform has remained the same, and it is something I am accustomed to. However, the new challenges that I am facing are the administrative side of leading and conducting a company. It is important that I set reasonable, well managed, and achievable systems to ensure that I effectively meet the needs of all parties involved; them being yourself, as the client, the students, the schools of each respective student, and tutors (which will be on boarded next year). Credit must be given to James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, in which I was able to apply some of his philosophies to principalship.

Long Daily Hours
The cumulation of the longer hours each day was challenging to begin Term 4, but as theTerm and year draws to a close, it has become a habit. But, personally, I do love the work I do, as an educator; whether that is at a school or tutoring, so when something is my passion, it does make the days seem ‘quicker’ despite leaving home as the sun rises, and returning
home in the evenings.

Future Plans
As the business is currently in its embryonic stages, there are systems and planning in place
to enable the expansion and the growth of this company. Some of the ‘future plans’ I can
share with you are the following –
● The continuation of the ‘dual modes of learning’; that being Online and Face to Face.
● The onboarding of new tutors.
● The potential to introduce ‘Weekly Group Sessions Online’.
● The development of a Puzzle Tutoring Website and Social Media Channels.

Thank You

Last, but certainly not least, and this has been mentioned previously, but “thank you” to all of you; for your trust and faith in me to guide, nurture and support your child/ren through their academic studies. It is my absolute pleasure to witness the growth of the young individuals who are collecting a ‘puzzle piece’ on a daily basis.

Joe Ng – Founder & Principal