“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.”

This quote by Henry Adams was written inside a lovely Christmas card from a thoughtful parent, given to me at the end of a long school year, thanking me for teaching their child in their first year of primary school...

In a world where bad news seems to dominate the airwaves and permeate every corner of our lives, our children are not immune to the psychological toll of these events. The conversations overheard, the news reports blaring from radios and televisions, all serve to inundate their impressionable minds with images of violence, tragedy and uncertainty. As concerned adults, it’s natural to wonder: how do we shield our children from the overwhelming pressures of this tumultuous environment?

In the heart of country life, as the football and netball season unfolds once again, it’s vital to recognise that sports aren’t merely about competition and recreation; they serve as crucial pillars in shaping the lives of our children.

Pride, fist-pumping and passionfruit - This month’s column has it all!