December 9, 2013 Focus

Focus. We use the word in many different contexts. “Focus on your work.”  “The focus of this lesson will be mapping terms.” “The picture is out of focus.”  “I would like to focus on this particular part.” Or “My focus is all crocus.”  Even though the context varies, there are normative truths revealed in the mechanics of focussing. 

So what are the key elements of focus.  Well, in regards to taking photographs, it is dependent on the convergence of a number of different elements to bring the objects into proper focus.  The more I got to thinking about this the more I believe this falls in line with what we are trying to do as a school.  If we focus on the wrong things then we lose the ability to see what is important.  Further to that, if our focal point shifts we, literally, lose sight of what should be driving our aims and objectives.  The focus at the school is dependent on a number of different pieces that must converge to bring everything into focus.    There are a number of different spokes to the wheel of Christian education but the hub, the center, is the mission of the school.  It should all work together to focus on the fulfillment of what we believe we are called to do at Providence Christian School.

I was intrigued by this idea of centrality as the staff contemplates our focus in regards to our professional practice and learning. Using our school mission as the tool we use to focus our efforts we can see the central element needs to focus on a quality, Christ-centered education so that we may develop the gifts of God’s children and prepare them for a life of Christian service.  Adjusting the focal length to bring objects into focus in a photograph can be likened to adjusting the length or our educational gaze to take the long view of what it takes to live out the mission of the school.  It does help put things into the proper perspective and focus.  We may take time to examine the different spokes of the wheel but our focus will always be the mission and vision that is borne out of the constitution of our school.