My Take Away for this Year…

My teaching/admin journey has given me insight to a variety of school communities and school cultures.  With my new role at Mother Teresa this year I see that the learning of ‘LEADERSHIP’ will be a life long journey. Great leaders never stop learning!  Being with the Leadership Academy has created a great support system.  It has helped me to see things from a different point of view.

Collaboration with veterans and rookies during our meetings has helped to create a network of expertise.  I appreciate that Senior Admin takes the time to share stories of their journey so that we can be better prepared and accepting of the challenges that we may encounter along the way.  The session that sticks with me is difficult conversations.  Leaders don’t always have great news to share and those that they have to share with don’t always understand that the conversation is happening because they care.  This is an area that I know that I will have to work on.

I am excited to continue my journey within the district and to play a role in building a strong Catholic Education.

Destination ‘Somewhere’, Did you pack the right tools for the job?

 

Teacher: “Students, it’s time to go, make sure that you have everything that you will need. “

Students: “Where are we going, what will we need?”

Teacher: “You are going Somewhere, pack all of the tools that your teachers have offered you over the last 12 years. Isn’t this exciting you finally get a chance to use all of those great tools.”

Throughout a child’s education they are offered tools that they will need to use when they visit ‘Somewhere’ in the future. The trouble is that students don’t know that these tools will be necessary in their future. Traditionally everyone played a role in preparing kids for the future. Parents supported their children at home helping with homework, building confidence, offering love, care and support. At school teachers worked hard to ensure the curriculum was covered. However times have changed and now our students need a new set of tools to be successful in their future Somewhere!

The vision of the 3 E’s looks to create a student who is an Engaged Thinker – Ethical Citizen – Entrepreneurial Spirit. This education framework is far more than just teaching, it is modelling risk, creativity, choice, and collaboration – thinking beyond the classroom doors.

I agree that these are essential skills to prepare our students for the future that they will eventually encounter.

This vision requires that the village raise the child – parents, community, school and province all work together.

Are we all working together to ensure that our kid’s toolbox is full of all the right tools?

Are teachers given the support, time and resources to fulfill the vision? Do they know how to allow diversity (for assessment) while still fulfilling division/curriculum requirements?

Are parents informed of this ‘new’ way of teaching and knowledgeable on how to help their kids?

Are students told why they are learning new things and what tools each lesson will help create for their toolbox?

Is the village working together to raise this new learner or has it become the schools responsibility?