On recent news

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Like so many in our glorious Protectorate, I spent much of yesterday simply glued to the wireless, and now reading just every teensy detail in the Prophet this morning.

Now, it is indeed a wonderful show of the might of the Protectorate that we’ve seen. But I cannot help thinking back through the years, through previous worries, and about how some piece of this, we might have averted. I know that a constant worry in my own years of leadership is whether we had truly done everything we could to make this realm safe, secure, and protected for all true witches and wizards.

That our children could sleep in peace, untroubled by worry. That we would not longer need to send our mightiest wands to devour vermin. That we have no lights at windows in the dark, hoping for a loved one’s safe return.

Now, I am sure that Our Lord’s Council will leave no stone unturned, rooting out every insurrection and danger. But it is the duty of us all to help where we can. I know I stand ready, if my experience and knowledge of the dangers of this time of year might serve.

And we all can serve, from the dear children here who have taken on more responsibility for patrols, to those holding down desks at the Ministry so that more can go to Ireland, and all those who keep the other needs of the land slowly turning. And of course, the noble efforts of the Watch - if you have not joined, I am simply sure they would love your wand and your unending vigilance.

Let us, though, all strive to do just a teensy bit more than we have. In His Service.

Comments

Private message to Aurora Sinistra

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Aurora, my dear

I just wanted to write a teensy note acknowledging that this must be a terribly difficult time for you, with your young man gone. And no word beyond the news, I gather? (I did see you walking this morning, dear.) While he’s off doing his most noble and patriotic duty as Our Lord’s hands, it must be so challenging to wait and worry. And he’s not as young as he was, either.

You must hold fast, dear. While we're helping our dear charges cultivate their truest and most useful selves and hone their mettle, it's just so important we smooth over our own fears and put the best face on. (And you're doing very well, really.)

And in fact, I believe I have just the thing to take your mind off your own concerns.

Now, I’m certain you recall last month's little competition in honour of Our Lord’s birthday. I know that you and others do try to improve the student writing, but truly, a number of the submissions were quite distressingly bad. Others were absurdly informal, more casual note than structured essay for public dissemination.

I believe I heard you and dear Antonin at supper, recently, on the subject, as well. And I have it from others that your own writing is surprisingly solid, given your background. Now, I was thinking we needed some short workshops, tucked into YPL sessions, focusing on different aspects of formal writing.

I’ve had more than one word with the Board of Governors about the lack of focus on writing in the curriculum. A little pilot project might just convince them to do much-needed reexamination. It's remarkable what a pair of fresh eyes will see, and of course a new broom sweeps cleanest.

Do say you’ll meet and plan with me, and perhaps teach a few sessions yourself? It would be such a service to Our Lord’s great plan, and an excellent show of loyal support. May I come to your office today, perhaps at 4pm, to discuss it further? Of course, if today’s events force a change, this can wait.

Dolores

Re: Private message to Aurora Sinistra

[alt_sinistra]

Dolores -

Pardon for not responding sooner, but I teach straight through on Tuesday mornings, and of course there was no chance to discuss at lunch. That went rather longer than I think most people expected, didn't it?

I do wonder how many followed that line of logic about the devastation in Ireland being a diversion for the train shipment in Liverpool. I saw more than a few puzzled faces among the students. And that bit toward the end, about next steps seemed a bit muddy - your call for service above seemed much more clearly put.

I do hope you’ll allow me to be blunt. (For yes, it has been a challenging few days. For us all, really. Though I’ve had a bit of reassuring news since this morning.)

You are right that it is difficult to teach our students all they need to know to thrive in our world in the time we have. I do a fair bit with my first years, in particular, teaching them to write a clear report of what they’ve observed or learned, but we can spend only some of our time on it. And yes, I’ve discussed this with other staff from time to time.

But at the same time, I am torn about the best approach. Something via the YPL, as you propose, has its merits - the time is already scheduled, and so on. But at the same time, it poses difficulties in the best teaching practice. Ideally, our students would have a chance to learn, practice, edit, and get feedback. With so many together and of such vastly different skill levels, that is rather a large problem.

At any rate, I’d be glad to meet, assuming nothing more urgent calls either of our attention. Might we make it my classroom, though? That way, we’d have the board available for notes. I’ll expect you at four.

Aurora

Re: Private message to Aurora Sinistra

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Four, yes. Your classroom will be quite comfortable enough, I'm sure. I was certain you'd not miss even the teensiest opportunity to help the dear children out.

And thank you, dear, for that compliment. Cornelius has his moments, but I'm afraid public speaking is not one of his stronger talents.

Now, if we're to have a proper meeting, I should get my notes together. I do so look forward to your insights.