School is out!

Mark Kalch — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:54:38 +0000

What a weekend! The Expedition School went down starting Thursday evening and the last campers left on Monday. In between we had a pretty awesome time! I will get a full report up as soon as I have had a chance to breathe. (Click on the pics to enlarge)

A hard, hot as hell walk on the first day, a gnarly, big smile river day the next and a day at the beach to tie things up nicely on Sunday. Breaks were spent discussing all the intricacies of mounting an independent expedition. Early mornings spent getting through some tough workouts in the mist I hope woke everyone up nicely. Throw in some bloody nice food and expedition dvds on the projector and I reckon it was a real hoot!

Thanks so much to everyone who came along and grateful for all the help I got from Dave and Holly. Congrats to Sammy also, who won a sweet pair of Zeal Optics sunglasses. Who was the online competition winner? None other than Mister Lightweight himself, Phil Turner!

I will endeavour to get details of the Winter Expedition School up as soon as possible. I cannot wait!

Why I dig speaking

Mark Kalch — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:03:45 +0000

I guess in most peoples lives or occupations they get that feeling every now and then that makes what they do seem worthwhile. A big part of what I do with my time is speak to students. I remember when I was a wee lad and we had outside presenters come to the school. More often than not, my first thought would be, "Sweet, no class!". On occasion it would offer more than that. I imagine the first thoughts of most of the kids at the schools where I present are somewhat similar to what mine were. Hopefully it turns out that, I too, offer more than that.

I received an email today from the Kingston Grammar School regarding a presentation I gave there yesterday. It read:

Mark

I have talked to a large number of the sixth form and the first form, and the teachers, who attended your lecture yesterday. The response was entirely enthusiastic and positive (which is not always the case, even with our better speakers). The comments ranged from 'absolutely brilliant', all the way down(!) to 'very interesting'. I regret that I could not attend it, but thank you for what was clearly an exceptionally well delivered and fascinating talk which has made a great impression on all who attended. All the best.

Dr Anthony Langdon
Assistant Head of Sixth Form (Higher Education)
Kingston Grammar School

Makes me feel pretty worthwhile. The best motivation to keep improving and working hard. Stoked!

Mark Kalch » education

School is out!

Why I dig speaking