The staff traveled to Los Olivos for our 2016 teacher retreat on January 15 & 16. Hosted by Roleen and Jim’s friends, the Dohmeyers, Ron and Pam, we were treated to gorgeous scenery and a private bungalow. The focus for our retreat this year was transparency.
As a school, as a community and as a team of teachers, we seek context and relation: with each other, our neighborhood and the philosophy. This requires a transparency in our thinking, actions and communications. To bring the staff into deeper reflection, the studio teachers and I requested that the teachers bring 3 found objects that interact with light to the retreat. Once there, among the oaks and surrounded by vineyards we asked the teachers to walk the grounds and find 3 more objects from nature that interact with light. Divided into West and East wing teams, the teachers were asked to tell stories on the light table with their objects.
Amy, Cindy and I videotaped the creation of the stories and then the teachers shared them with us with great delight.The East Wing told a story of adventure and narrow escape. The West Wing told a love story of friendship and loyalty.
We analyzed the dynamics between the team members and began the deeper work of transparency among us. Roleen treated us to a wonderful dinner and we continued the work and discussion the next day, resulting in a rejuvenated spirit built on a sense of depth through sharing perspectives, allowing us to grow ever closer as a team of teachers. -Kristin