Wightman

A negative column or a positive column, I am often left contemplating. Negativity drains me, so positivity is default; it requires more planning and redrafting but remains the authentic option. However, I do understand negative discourse will generate more publicity, more newspaper sales, and more acknowledgment on social media platforms. And there are countless leadership examples and stories that prove my point. Yet, it’s not my way. Negativity flows off the tongue, with the stroke of a pen or when using a keyboard to become a warrior. It can be totally nonconstructive, yet from a political point of view, remains disproportionally damaging and pivotal to election success. Consequently, leadership at a political level in our country appears, at present, to be underpinned by negativity. The irony that I feel this way is not lost on me. However, rather than a contest of ideas, we are often left searching for the least bad option. From a revolving door of Prime Ministers...

For the kids. A family sat on the rocks, bitterly cold, yet far from miserable. Smiles lit up their faces, loving an adventure far away from a cricket oval or soccer pitch where most adventures took place. A crusty loaf of bread was all they had to eat; like shipwrecked sailors who collided with the shore of a dangerous coastline but survived to tell the tale. On that day - they didn’t have very much - but they had everything. The trip was not well planned. The dad worked in a factory which made having a rest far more important than recreation on Sundays, when making money from extra work wasn’t available. Their car – an orange XY Ford Falcon wagon waited patiently at the Triabunna Wharf. It was beautifully washed and polished, yet far from luxurious like a Ford Mustang. The mum was concerned about sea sickness on the 30-minute crossing, reminding her of their first voyage from England to Fremantle, Western Australia. But there was no time to visit the shop for tabl...

Education is in the news again with matters disputed requiring urgent resolution. Obviously, we don’t have a moment to waste and leadership is required to ensure that school improvement remains the most vital challenge we address in Tasmania. Further, school catchment zones are also on the agenda adding flavour to robust discussions at a local level. In our school’s case, the new map looks peculiar - drawn to include a significant expanse of reserve and recreational bushland. It covers an area that we know well; deeply valued by the community and renowned for making memories – but housing macropods, not students! For many years, parents lived in the same family home and, as a result, children attended the closest public school, often walking or catching the bus each day. Times change. We are no longer just supportive users of education, we are consumers, whether it be private or public. Consumerism has driven an expectation of choice. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple...

An impending announcement mesmerises the expecting audience, filled to the brim with nervous anticipation. “It has arrived,” I proclaim enthusiastically. “Go on dad – open it! Go on dad – open it!” offers Master, unwittingly mimicking the computer mouse’s required action. The email attachment is double-clicked with a combination of trepidation and excitement. Hollers and hoopla erupt – the dog retires to the corner - we have won the lotto! “We are so lucky,” exclaims Miss with wisdom beyond years, and a thirst for carefully planned adventure. The lotto win remains the best $16 per night we’ve ever spent. The Wightmans are tent camping aficionados. On a field trip with a cohort of students in the North East, we were caught in a torrential downpour. The kids’ tents, purchased on special, from a large national retailer were quickly flooded, with visions of floating sleeping mats etched in my memory. The trip was abandoned, lobbing at a nearby teachers’ residence t...