SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE DECEMBER 6, 2024

EVERYBODY SCHOOLS, EVERYBODY PARENTS

15 years ago Shonal Aggarwal founded Chapters International, a provider of Professional Development to teachers. I know Shonal. I am sure that she did not dream for a moment, back then, that her fledgling organisation would grow to become the worldwide and respected provider of high quality workshops and programs that it has. I receive all the e-mail flyers for upcoming workshops, and it is fascinating to read the summaries of what is happening next in the world of Chapters International. My eye was caught by this advertisement last week for a webinar on ‘everybody classrooms’: 

When we think of “inclusion,” that most often refers to general education classrooms that make provisions to include a few learners with special needs. In those instances, it’s easy for think of the classroom as composed largely of “regular” or “normal” students who are joined by learners who aren’t “regular” or “normal.” At that point, there is often a tension between the teacher’s desire to teach the “normal” curriculum to the “normal” students and his or her need to address the needs of students for whom the “normal” curriculum may not be appropriate. In those contexts, it is easy for an “us” and “them” way of thinking to emerge - a distinction between students who “really belong” in that classroom and those who seem to have been invited in as guests.

What if, instead, we realized that every student in the class has “special needs,” that every student has strengths, weaknesses, interests, highs and lows in life, - that every student needs the teacher in unique ways throughout the course of a school year? What if classrooms were designed to consistently have “whole class” components and components that provide time for students to take their own next steps in learning?

These classes open the way for equity of access to excellent curriculum and instruction for a very broad range of learners. They enable students and teachers to partner in creating environments in which each individual is appreciated for distinct contributions they make to the growth of each other student and to the class as a whole. “Everybody classrooms” make it possible for students to take part in the kind of community that most of us would like to see replicated in the world around us.

This webinar series will explore the concept of “everybody classrooms,” their challenges and benefits, the philosophy that undergirds them, the attitudes and practices that make them work, and the rewards - large and small - that result for all members of those classrooms.

 

This got me thinking about parents, and so I dreamed up the idealistic title at the start of this section, ‘Everybody Schools, Everybody Parents’. To paraphrase some of the above: ‘What if schools were designed to include all parents as valued members of the school community where each individual parent is appreciated for the distinct contributions that they make to the growth of the school as a whole’? This would indeed help us to build the kind of community in miniature that ‘most of us would like to see replicated in the world around us’. Idealistic? Yes of course, but very attractive. Achievable? Why not try. I am trying to help this process by talking with parents who want to see me, and valuing their ideas and insights. Let’s all try to further this when and where we can. 

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GRADE 2 ASSEMBLY

There is so much going on at the moment, especially in this Arts week: the Tree Lighting ceremony, concerts, visual arts exhibitions, the Nutcracker, and much else. We have been getting ready for the holidays with style, having great fun, and enjoying each other’s company. Whatever December festivals we do or do not celebrate, I hope that there has been a great deal for everyone. Remember that this is a time for giving, in all senses of that word.

It is difficult to select a few notable events as this means leaving out others. But here are two that go back two weeks.The Grade 2 assembly on Friday, November 22, was delightful. Led by Grade 2 students, and for the whole Primary Section, it included powerful messages delivered with confidence and conviction, delightful singing, and invigorating band playing. The music in our school, at all levels, is becoming so much more exciting, and plentiful.

The purpose of the assembly was to draw attention to and celebrate our school value of ‘empathy’. The students sang an ‘Empathy Song’. Then they listed various examples of empathy in action, from consoling a sad friend to environmental themes of saving plants and animals, a different type of empathy, but no less important. As they said emphatically: WE ARE ALL IN IT TOGETHER”.

It is inspiring to me to see such young children addressing important matters and values with conviction, commitment, and poise. As I said in my closing words, this gives me hope. And we need that.

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SENIOR LOCK IN AND BREAKFAST

My second selected event occurred later that same day, and through the Friday night into Saturday morning, November 23. This was when the Grade 12 students had their afternoon and evening of bonding and fun events, culminating in the Lock In sleepover in the library. What a fine time was enjoyed by all. Their happy happening culminated in a new ending, coming from a brilliant idea from Ms. Bowin. That was for the whole group to come to my apartment for a Senior Sunrise breakfast. I wish you could have seen them eating delicious food (not cooked by me but brought in)  and singing joyful songs early in the morning. What a fine addition this is to an already lovely tradition.

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HOLISTIC EDUCATION

A school like ours tries to educate children, or students, in so many different and varied ways. All these experiences outside the classroom, small and large, come together as an aggregate to make an education that is holistic. Arts Week Celebrations, Grade 2 Assemblies, and Senior Lock Ins are vital parts of that rounding and deepening and growing process. I will, I am sure, write more about holistic approaches to education next semester, perhaps especially just before some of our students get ready to go on experiential learning trips to different African countries in January. 

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A LONG LETTER FROM ME

Next week you will receive a longer letter from me. Not that long, but a little longer than usual. It will not be about school events, but instead on a theme that is very close to my heart, and one that I have written about before in other school communities where I have worked.

Are you curious? Good. Curiosity is an essential element of holism! But be patient!