The sea captains of New England who traded among the Caribbean Islands would return to the colonies with cargoes of spices rum, and tropical fruits. Legend has it that once a captain returned home, it was customary to spear a pineapple on a post at the door, to let friends know of his safe return from sea. The pineapple was an invitation for them to visit, share his food and drink and listen to tales of his voyage.

A few weeks ago the HS Economics team held a Pineapple day. The aim? To welcome one another into their classrooms, increase a spirit of creativity, risk taking, collaboration and sharing among the team.

Pineapple day was an opportunity for the team to develop and then showcase some engaging teaching activities. Each room had a furry pineapple welcome mat to indicate that visitors were welcome. Invitations were sent out, and a google doc was published to show who was doing what, in which room and when. The team and visitors were in and out of each others rooms all day.  The mood was positive and celebratory. Lunch together in the office helped to honour the spirit of the original Pineapple day.

Steve would be happy to loan out the pineapple mats to any other team that would like to encourage others into their classrooms. Why not get two teams (one from MS and one from HS) to run a pineapple day together as a way to open up conversations across schools?

Pineapple Day is a celebration of the teaching and learning that happens in our department. It is often difficult to find time to visit colleague’s classrooms and yet there is such a richness to be gained from interacting with and learning from each other in this way. Pineapple Day focussed the whole team on doing just that and it was an empowering experience!

Steve Vorster

References https://www.southernliving.com/culture/pineapple-hospitality