50p
Mr. Chris Norwood
Every year Brentwood is joined by a new batch of unique teachers and resident assistants who bring their experiences and exciting backgrounds to add to the Brentwood tapestry. Mr. Chris Norwood is one such exciting acquisition, working as a resident assistant in Privet House and a coach of girls rowing and boys rugby. I had the opportunity to ask a few questions of Mr Norwood to find out a bit about his experiences before Brentwood, and about his life at the school.
How are you enjoying being a resident assistant in Privett?
I am enjoying Privett. I don’t think there has been one duty night where one of the boys hasn’t said or done something to make me laugh or left me scratching my head. That’s entertainment. Overall, it has been a really positive experience. I have also started doing some duty in Ellis; it will be interesting to see how the Privett boys react to this act of treachery!
What are you teaching at Brentwood?
I have been covering a lot of classes for Mr. Robinson, which I have really enjoyed and I feel like my interest is shifting towards socials rather than Arts/Literature. Next sport term I am doing cross-training with Mr. Bryant; I am concocting some gut busting work-outs as I type. We will be working hard! I have had no previous experience in boarding or private schools, as I went through the public school system in the UK from start to finish.
How are you finding your other duties so far?
Both the rowing and rugby programs have been really good. Recently both the girls in junior novice rowing and the grade 10 boys rugby have had moments where the 'penny has dropped'. It’s always a nice moment because you can start coaching and mentoring rather than just didactically teaching. There is some pretty smart rowing being done and some attractive rugby being played. They have been some of the most satisfying moments of my time so far.
Is being at Brentwood a big change from your previous experiences?
I worked the previous 5 summers teaching ESL students (mainly from Europe) English Language and their ages ran from 13-18 so working with the students at Brentwood hasn’t been too much of a jump. It could have felt a little daunting working in a country several thousand miles from home, but because of the support Brentwood offered, this really hasn't been the case. It was very easy to settle in. Everyone has a great sense of humor and, although I have said it many times before, everyone is so willing to help out.
Have you got any hobbies?
Back in the UK I would obviously row and play rugby. I also like to take my road bike out on a nice day in summer and try to get out 3 times a week when the weather permits. I haven’t been able to bring my bike over to Canada though so with the nice weather we had during the last weeks of September I missed having it. I love reading; I just seem to have moved away from fiction. If I have a moment for downtime it is usually with some urban blues (old man music) on in the background - Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Buddy Guy, Rolling Stones, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, The Doors, Clapton, Fleetwood Mac, etc. I am relying on the students to keep me up to date with more contemporary stuff.
We look forward to having Mr. Norwood around campus and extend to him a warm welcome.
Joanna L, Alex ‘14
How are you enjoying being a resident assistant in Privett?
I am enjoying Privett. I don’t think there has been one duty night where one of the boys hasn’t said or done something to make me laugh or left me scratching my head. That’s entertainment. Overall, it has been a really positive experience. I have also started doing some duty in Ellis; it will be interesting to see how the Privett boys react to this act of treachery!
What are you teaching at Brentwood?
I have been covering a lot of classes for Mr. Robinson, which I have really enjoyed and I feel like my interest is shifting towards socials rather than Arts/Literature. Next sport term I am doing cross-training with Mr. Bryant; I am concocting some gut busting work-outs as I type. We will be working hard! I have had no previous experience in boarding or private schools, as I went through the public school system in the UK from start to finish.
How are you finding your other duties so far?
Both the rowing and rugby programs have been really good. Recently both the girls in junior novice rowing and the grade 10 boys rugby have had moments where the 'penny has dropped'. It’s always a nice moment because you can start coaching and mentoring rather than just didactically teaching. There is some pretty smart rowing being done and some attractive rugby being played. They have been some of the most satisfying moments of my time so far.
Is being at Brentwood a big change from your previous experiences?
I worked the previous 5 summers teaching ESL students (mainly from Europe) English Language and their ages ran from 13-18 so working with the students at Brentwood hasn’t been too much of a jump. It could have felt a little daunting working in a country several thousand miles from home, but because of the support Brentwood offered, this really hasn't been the case. It was very easy to settle in. Everyone has a great sense of humor and, although I have said it many times before, everyone is so willing to help out.
Have you got any hobbies?
Back in the UK I would obviously row and play rugby. I also like to take my road bike out on a nice day in summer and try to get out 3 times a week when the weather permits. I haven’t been able to bring my bike over to Canada though so with the nice weather we had during the last weeks of September I missed having it. I love reading; I just seem to have moved away from fiction. If I have a moment for downtime it is usually with some urban blues (old man music) on in the background - Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Buddy Guy, Rolling Stones, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, The Doors, Clapton, Fleetwood Mac, etc. I am relying on the students to keep me up to date with more contemporary stuff.
We look forward to having Mr. Norwood around campus and extend to him a warm welcome.
Joanna L, Alex ‘14
75p
