Play.

I love to play basketball outside with my kids, watch movies at the multiplex, play tennis, video games, kayak, swim, and enjoy live sports to compensate for my overall lack of athleticism. This play and recreational time brings balance, joy and readily sparks creativity that uplifts my soul. 

Reflecting on play, there was a time when work seemed to outweigh the joys of recreation. However, now at 42 with my kids a bit older and my wife and I at a stage where particular “adult” goals have been met, play is certainly a priority and has been easier to allow into our personal lives without suffering from first-generation immigrant guilt that screams WORK!

When it comes to my professional life, I was a classroom teacher who loved to play. Being a Communications Technology teacher, play came easily. Talking about pop-culture and producing digital media with teenagers definitely made each day fun. Through everyday banter to working collaborative with students, I was able to form incredible bonds with students all while having my own creativity ignited. 

Now, as a Secondary School Vice Principal, my reality dramatically differs from my time teaching and producing digital media in the classroom with students. Although deeply fulfilling, the role doesn’t innately provide the same type of “play” that came with creating.

Therefore, I have to intentionally create and find balance in a very multifaceted school role. This is to say that I find it incredibly important to stay connected to who I am. From my office that features posters of my favourite movies and other pop- culture memorabilia to making movies with kids after school, being and sharing an aspect of who I am with staff and students is incredibly important and certainly helps to form meaningful relationships.

Play is not only a natural and joyful activity for children but also a powerful tool for teachers/educators to forge positive relationships with their students. Through playful interactions, educators create a bridge between the academic and emotional realms, fostering trust, empathy, and connection.  Personally, within the realm of play, I’ve been able to chip away at the everyday perceptions of the VP role which has resulted in knowing students at a deeper level and hopefully creating a sense of safety and comfort. 

For example, with the  wonderful support and encouragement of my school principal, I moderate a games room every Friday during two lunch periods. Leaning into my passion for pop-culture, RETRO LUNCH is an open call to all staff and students to spend time together in play. With  the help of amazing students, video game consoles such as Super Nintendo, PlayStation 2, Nintendo Switch are set up up flatscreens and a LCD projector, beaming classics like Street Fighter Turbo on a big screen. 

Along with video games, staff and students have access to an assortment of board games and have the opportunity to play in the spirit of togetherness. Togetherness and play. Two powerful words that are certainly interconnected and have the potential to shape safe and accepting schools. In the moments of play, we can share who we are as educators and discover so much about students. From their family life to interests in and out of school, I know that the intentional time to connect allows me to see fully and be a caring adult in the building.

Regardless of your profession, I encourage you to prioritize play in both your personal and professional life. Whether you hold a position as a school administrator or engage in other professional endeavours, I urge you to carve out moments to disengage from the demands of “work” and authentically connect with the people around you.

As a school administrator, I firmly believe that such efforts are indispensable in creating a nurturing and inclusive school environment, where positive relationships can thrive.