hi, i finally got through my backlog of digests and feel i have to add on two topics: 1. i cannot stress enough the importance of a principal and the enormous amount of influence he/she has on the school climate, i.e. students and teachers. anyone who has worked in several schools and can compare principals can attest to this fact. a good principal is a leader and can motivate everyone in the school to success, by his/her personality and personal example. a good english staff can compensate some, but not enough, as we do not work in a vacuum. we need to feel that we have understanding and empathy (even if things don't always go the way we want them to, as there is a bigger picture) and back-up, mentoring skills, professional expertise and good human relations. i think that, unfortunately, not all principals understand this or work on these areas. and like teachers, not all principals are excellent. should they be graded by their teachers? yes, definitely and not only at the end of the year. 2. i feel dizzy whenever i read about the different options being discussed for hakra'at she'elon. the ministry must teach us whatever new technology is decided upon, it cannot be our responsibility. have a great year! sandy 'Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain." ----------------------------------------------- ** Etni homepage - http://www.etni.org or - http://www.etni.org.il ** ** for help - ask@xxxxxxxx ** ** to post to this list - etni@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ** -----------------------------------------------