Welcome Back
“Oh no I’ve forgotten my password”, “why is my Parking Pass not working”? “Who took my class binder”, “where is my class schedule”, “not another department meeting”, “how many students do I have”? Familiar words for many of us at the Instructor level. The well-earned summer holidays will soon be a distant memory and the daunting realization that another school year is about to begin sets in. After we exchange pleasantries, hugs and cordial handshakes we begin the process of physically and mentally preparing ourselves for the rigors of classroom and shop life. For the tenured Instructors they will follow their well-orchestrated and time proven rules of conduct, expectations, lesson plans and often over exaggerated philosophies. For the newer Instructors – as the nervousness and anticipation settle, they will stammer, repeat, fumble and conduct conversations with much trepidation. Thankfully the newer student will be none the wiser.
So another Academic year begins in the life of Post-Secondary and in the hallowed halls of SAIT Polytechnic. Echoing the words of Dr. Ross, it’s the people of SAIT that make the difference; without their devotion, commitment, time and relentless energy, student success would be minimal. As International borders open up globally, the necessity for competent and educated people has increased. The demand for SAIT graduates in many career sectors has grown immensely. The enrolling of International students into the Institution expands our cultural diversity as an educational leader. Moreover, encouraging SAIT Instructors to work and teach overseas enhances our credibility as knowledge sharers in the eyes of the world’s International community.
Having the opportunity to attend and contribute to the Orientation for the new students within my own school, I felt a sense of pride and responsibility. Proud to know that I am in the company of exceptionally talented and passionate colleagues. Thankful that I can provide structure and knowledge to the skill development of these future graduates. These sentiments will be echoed by numerous Instructors in the many schools and programs throughout this Institution.
As we navigate through the autonomous yellow arm of the Parcade meter, climb somewhat pre-occupied up the Parcade stairs to our respective buildings, knowing full well that. The office lights will flicker, the computer keyboards will click relentlessly, photocopiers will hum as they correlate-punch-hole- and staple the inexorable amount of handouts. Instructors will adorn uniforms, smocks and safety ware, they will push and carry a montage of instruments and tools down corridors, through doors and on elevators, past the hordes of students…grinning internally…yep schools in and we’re back.
Welcome back to all.
James McWilliams
SAFA President