biologist's+thoughts+17

It is my intention that I will keep a record of my thoughts after each lesson. Feel free to respond to anything I have written. Hopefully my thoughts will inspire, motivate and allow you to improve your understanding of biology as well as get the most out of our classes.

Back to inside the mind of the biol guru

They did a trial exam today. So not much to say. I could tell on many of their faces that they wanted to do much better than the first trial exam a couple of weeks ago.
 * Lesson 89 (Monday 19th October) **

Final lesson for the year. How quick it has gone. Never really sure how to approach this last lesson. I ended covering a few points, giving them some advice on the exam and that was it. I know some will still come and seek assistance over the next week, so I don't really see it as the end yet. It won't really hit me until after the actual biol exam. I tend to struggle during this time of the year (for a variety of reasons). The main reason is that so much energy has gone into delivering the course and immersing myself in the journey with this class. Feeling what they feel, their ups and downs when they get assessment returned (SACs or other informal tasks), trying to always be positive about how they are going. I don't think they realise how emotionally draining it can be for us teachers to then see them finally finish. Anyway it has been a really great experience with this group. I have learnt a lot and there has been lots of fun. Over and out.
 * Lesson 90 (Tuesday 20th October) **

Dear class, I would really appreciate you all spending a minute or two posting a comment about the year below. Write whatever you want on whatever aspect you want. Keep it anonymous if you wish. VM
 * Reprise **

VOJ, reading your comment on my shirt really put a smile on my face. Although i do not consider biology my strongest point, i feel that together with your help i have tried my best (I can't really do more then that). It has been a pleasure. I will keep in touch with you and will definitely come in and say hello! Thank you for EVERYTHING (especially calming me down when i have been overloaded with work) All my love, Gina (MISS NICE) p.s: I am glad that my spot as a top contibutor has remained!! Gina, it was so easy for me to write those thoughts on your shirt. It reflects just how much I have enjoyed sharing biology classes with you. And the fact that you have responded first to my request doesn't surprise me at all. And I too have a big smile on my face. Have a great day tomorrow. VM

Voj. Thank you for making this year and last year such a memorable time, from making slomations to recreating meiosis in a class room, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a member of this class. The enthusiasm and wisdom that you bring to every class has made the year enjoyable, engaging and interesting and made me look forward to coming to class. Thanks for everything and I look forward to jamming with you in the future. Fellow biologists, may the forth chromosome be with you in the upcoming exams. :) All the best guys. Scrubman Hey scrubman, you deserved the title last year and have been true to it this year. Your approach has been fantastic all year round, I have no doubts that you will reap the rewards. And I can only wish that opportunities do arise for more jam sessions. You have taught me well and I have learnt much from you. Thx heaps. VM

Voj. there's really not enough space on this wiki page that could explain the different types of emotions i felt throughout the year in biology. from being nervous about the sacs and mid year, to be so excited to wake up for period 0. thank you so much for making this year one to remember for the rest of my life. thank you for putting in all the effort every single minute of every single class. thank you for staying back late every day after school, to re-explain concepts. thank you for re-explaining all the concepts. and thank you so very much for believing in every single one of us. you are truly a great teacher that i will never ever forget. love always, Simoney (Miss Bubbly). x

Voj! I cannot thank you enough for making the year that it was. Having you as a teacher made me feel so special, because I think its fair to say that you are one of the most passionate people I've ever met and that spead and made us as a biology class feel passionate too. Biology is one of those subjects that really makes you appreciate everything on this Earth and having you as a teacher couldnt have highlighted that importance anymore for me. You've always been supportive of who I am as a person, and made me feel accepted into the King David community. Knowing you since year 9 has been a privlidge and whenever I have needed someone to talk to I know that I could turn to you to help me without any judgements. You are truly a unique and special individual and I hope that wherever you end up in life you never forget that. Thank you for the effort you poured into the classes, no other class was like this one as you strive to better each class through the original ideas and ways you taught us. It is very much appreciated and my vce biology journey will always remain close to my heart. Much love, Bec :)

Voj! Wow, reading some of the other comments really brought a tear to my eye (which is not unusual these days). It has been a great year, and I'm sure I'm not just speaking for myself when i say that Biology is one of the classes that we always look forward to (...mabye exclude the period 0's :P). You have made us all feel comfortable when asking questions no matter HOW stupid they may be. You put in so much effort into each class, staying after school and coming in on weekends. From organising this wikispace which is so accessable to planning a Biology Dinner, you're truely one of a kind, and i doubt that there are many teachers like yourself that would go to so much trouble like you do. You were a great homeroom teacher in year 9 and of course year 12. Don't forget about us! Thanks for everything. Lots of love, Elena

Your comments are all very flattering and I am overwhelmed. The rest of the year is actually going to be very difficult for me to come to terms with but at the same time I am excited for you and the futures that lie ahead of you, as you should be. I will certainly not forget any of you ( and can only hope that some of you stay in touch as you move on with your lives) as you have made the class what it is. I can honestly say that I looked forward to every single lesson with you throughout the year (except for the very last one). VM