Choice Theory in New Zealand

During the London Olympic Games opening ceremony young athletes aged between 16 and 19 took turns with the Olympic Torch as they ran around the Olympic stadium.  These young athletes, nominated by various famous British athletes from the past, symbolised the passing of the mantle from the past to the future.     This was reminiscent of the dinner on the final night at the recent William Glasser Association International conference in Los Angeles. In this photo Carleen and Dr Glasser with daughter-in-law Pam Glasser are backed by members of the International Board.  This symbolised the passing of the mantle from Dr Glasser to the International Board and into the future. Juan Pablo Aljure , Colombia, Linda Harshman ( Legal Board), Masaki Kakitan i, Japan, Janet Fain Morgan , USA,  Mirjana Palcic Bubnic ,  Slovenia, Ellen Gelinas , Canada, Mitchell Messina , South Africa, Jim Montagnes , Canada, Lucy Robbins , USA, Ivan Honey Australia and Br...

Win with Choice: The Symbolism and Hope of the London Olympic Games... : While watching the march-past (perhaps these days more of a walk past) of the athletes at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Game...

I was visited by a six year old girl recently and we were talking about school.  She told me that sometimes her friend was mean to her.  In wanting to change her thinking about this behaviour I asked her "Do you think that she was just trying to get what she wanted?"  She nodded her head knowingly. In helping children to reframe the behaviour of others into Choice Theory language we can help them to see that all behaviour has a purpose.  Exploring behaviour in this way opens up the discussion for self evaluation.  Try it some time.  It is fun to see the understanding develop in children so young.

A Sunday newspaper appeared on the table the other day.  One that I don't usually see.  Three articles attracted my attention.  One the front page the title was "The secret story of violence in schools' with a photo of a face with a large bruise under the eye.  The article began with descriptions of student behaviours towards teachers in New Zealand schools.  Pushing, verbal abuse, kicking, teacher cars being vandalised. Possibly not very different from many schools in other countries.   The article stated that in some cases schools were asking teachers not to report these incidents for fear of involving the police would lead to negative publicity. The second article "Wagging school the daily deal for 29,000" with a subtitle -Chronic truants are getting lost in the system and ending up in crime or teen pregnancy statistics. One student was reported as saying he had regularly skipped school since the age of 13.  "Sc...

The Conference in Los Angeles has captured the imagine of people around the world.  Confirmation from Al Katz the Conference Chair means that we can now make arrangements for flights.   A sizeable group from Australia has registered and are now looking for the best deal with flights. The other piece of good news is that the early bird registration fee of $300 will be extended to April 15. Still to come are the arrangements for booking accommodation, the call for presentations and  giving us information about the Keynote speakers. I have been in contact with Leigh McGown, principal of the Glasser Quality School in Colorado at   Yampah Mountain High School.  She is willing to have visitors to the school.  Their school closes on 31 May.  I will continue negotiations to see if it is a possibility. In the mean time, register if you have been putting it off.  Book your flights to get the best deals and wait for the next lot of information. 

BE PART OF OUR GREATEST GATHERING EVER! We are finally able to give you details about the William Glasser Association International Conference scheduled for 6th to 9th June 2012 in Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. This is the First International Conference organised by the new William Glasser Association International The location is Dr. Glasser’s home town. As Dr. Glasser is no longer able to travel beyond Los Angeles, this gives us a special way to honour him and his work. We have made a special effort to keep the registration fee and the accommodation fees at the lowest levels ever. Join us in celebrating Choice Theory around the world! To allow us to finalise our deposits with LMU it is vital to the success of this conference that we get as many early bookings as possible. We are asking you to pay your conference fee now. The early registration fee is $300 (ending 31st Jan 2012). The conference fee includes registration, all presenta...

Win with Choice: Making the difference : A young mum who, with her husband had taken over the family farm, put in a nutshell the difference between schools that adapt the philosophy...