Jan 04

Continuous improvement is not a New Year’s resolution

I’ve made my feelings known about New Year’s resolutions before. To put it politely, I’m not a big fan. It is not that I’m against kicking a bad habit, getting in better shape or making a positive lifestyle change. All of those life adjustments are positive but my complaint, is that one must seemingly wait for a specific date on the calendar to engage in the change. Any goal must have a specific date to initiate, but that should happen anytime we believe the change is necessary.

Continuous improvement, especially in education must be an ongoing process. Students do not deserve for us to wait until the New Year, the next semester or any future date. Continuous improvement is about taking first steps now, even when the terrain may be rocky and the future unknown. That does not insinuate that it is reckless because continuous improvement involves a high degree of planning too! However, there is good merit in the Wayne Hulley saying of “Ready! Fire! Aim!”

For too long, educators have defined the term continuous improvement with a negative connotation. Nothing could be further from the truth as members of a profession. Our education degrees have established us as learned; continuous improvement suggests we are learners and essentially, true professionals! It is our responsibility to always be developing our instructional practice and honing our professional craft. Often the difference between the person who successfully teaches 30 years and the one who teaches one year 30 times is an attitude of continuous improvement. I’ve been blessed to witness educators nearing their retirement more learner focused than ever before in their career. Sadly, I’ve also experienced those who continually hold on to their jaded view of “professional judgment” and employ strategies that even years ago were likely ineffective.

It is difficult for me to understand our aversion to continuous improvement. The world of the arts, music and sports are filled with examples of a desire to move forward. Arguably the greatest hockey player in history, Wayne Gretzky never rested on his laurels. As a true professional, Gretzky always worked to improve his abilities. Denver Broncos quarterback, Peyton Manning is another excellent example of someone who seeks to continually improve. Coming back from what many believed as a career ending injury, Manning has re-written the record books this past year. Both Gretzky and Manning illustrate the importance of viewing ongoing improvement as a positive part of their jobs.

Taking the first step, no matter what the date, is the beginning of the continuous improvement journey. Understanding that it is a journey (and a long journey at that) as opposed to simply a destination is also critical. But possibly the greatest factor in continuous improvement is a realization that failures and setbacks will occur. Without that knowledge, many who encounter future challenges become paralyzed with fear and unable to make any further forward progress. The greatest leaders, athletes, musicians and the most successful inventors experienced far more failures than successes along their paths.

We want our students to become learners and continually seek to be more learned. We expect that they will not master every concept on the first try and that they will often fail. Yet, it is our desire for them to move along their educational journey making continual improvements. What better role models for our students to do the same, to always be a learner and engage in continuous improvement now!

Dec 15

Christmas Message 2013

On my way to work this morning I went to the Tim Horton’s drive thru for my large black ritual and was told that the person ahead of me had bought me my coffee. This was the second occurrence this past week of having a coffee bought for me from a complete stranger and so, as I did the previous time, I kept the tradition going on for the next unsuspecting driver. Although this is not only done around this time of year, it seems to be more prevalent in the Christmas season. Even in the bustle of the season, there seems to be a warming of hearts during this preparatory time of Christ’s birth.

For many of us, Christmas is a joyous occasion. It is a time when we visit family, reconnect with friends and hopefully slow down a wee bit. For those of us in education, the holiday comes at just the right time for us to “exhale” given the speed that the first part of the year has passed. Although learning should be more akin to a marathon, slow and steady (or at least that’s how I ran them in my younger days) schooling seems to be more like a sprint with the odd hurdle thrown in for good measure. Regardless of the style of race, fatigue results, and the upcoming holiday is well deserved for the staff and students of Holy Spirit.

But Christmas may also be a sombre event for others in our midst. Some will be reminded of loved ones who will not be at our table this year; Some experience the stress of fractured families; While others live in poverty and happiness may be in just having a hot meal at Christmas. Regardless of the reasons, it is important that as a faith community, we continue to reach out, serve and support those in need at this time. We may never know the impact of a gift or donation, a hug or consoling word and we will never know how our prayers will be heard and acted upon. We may also never know who is suffering in our community and therefore our actions must always be Christ-like.

I am proud that our division continues to be Christ-like in our actions. This year, on three separate occasions, I asked Holy Spirit to open their hearts to those less fortunate. At the beginning of the year, I made a call for donations to support our neighbouring school divisions in High River. We collected books at our division wide professional learning day to assist Siksika schools in rebuilding their libraries. And most recently, I requested that  schools contribute to the relief efforts in the Philippines. Each of these endeavours, as well as many other individual school projects not mentioned, were well supported by our Holy Spirit staff with little to no fanfare. I believe this fact illustrates our humility as a Catholic school division and speaks to our understanding that taking our place at the table means “doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do!”

As we begin this last week of school before the Christmas vacation, I would ask that you continue to be thankful for the gift of the Christ child. Recognize that we live in a country where we can celebrate our Christian faith without fear or retribution. Remind one another that Christ is the reason for the season and pay homage to his birth. And finally, pray for those in our community and around the world where Christmas will not be a joyful time.

May God bless you during this Christmas season. May Christ be on your mind and in your heart and may you receive the rest and relaxation that you so richly deserve during this Christmas break. God bless and see you in 2014!

Dec 08

Open our doors

A colleague of mine relayed to me that the Calgary Science School had hosted nearly 1500 visitors to their school this past year. This charter school, has a population of 600 students from grades 4-9 and is a model of both the science of teaching and inquiry based learning. But 1500 visitors…can you imagine opening up your schools to that number? Would we be willing to be that transparent and that vulnerable to open our doors?

Currently education is “stuck” in the transformation process. We feel that the change required is being halted by public perception and often by our own parents. We fear moving forward because of our insecurities of public perception.

  • They would never understand if we moved to outcomes based reporting only.
  • They would never accept  no percentage grading.
  • They would never allow a modified calendar.
  • They would never support a re-structured timetable.
  • They would never believe that the classroom of yesterday don’t work today.

And so, we fail to really make the necessary changes to the education system and only tweak at best. We resign ourselves to believing that if only our parents, our communities, our society knew what the research said or what Inspiring Education was really about we could make a difference.

If we really want to shift our population’s thinking about how schools are and need to be, we must SHOW THEM! We need to take a page out of the Calgary Science School and open our doors. We need to demonstrate that the classrooms they attended in their youth are not the classrooms required of today. We need to show them that the method illustrated in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off of teaching is not part of modern classrooms today. 

Our schools must not be seen as institutes of private practice but rather institutes of public performance. Educators need to consider themselves as being on stage every single day, engaging students, challenging their thoughts and developing critical thinkers and problem solvers. We must be willing to show the benefits of an inclusive classroom and how our beliefs and practices around inclusion positively impact our society overall. Our classrooms must reveal how students collaborate with one another more often than not and that learning is always at the highest level.

Opening our doors takes the mystery (and the critics) out of the transformation agenda. To get to the next stage of transformation and impact success for all learners not just some requires an open door policy.

“What worked yesterday is the gilded cage of tomorrow.- Peter Block”

Today’s students deserve and require a far different educational experience than ever before. High levels are learning are no longer optional in today’s society. With high school dropouts making up 43% of Canada’s welfare population and 74% of the prison population it would suggest that we need to change.

“The demand for educated workers will continue to be high, and those who obtain postsecondary education or training can continue to expect to earn a premium while those who do not will have far fewer opportunities to earn a living wage.” Craig D. Jerald, Defining a 21st Century Education

It is time to demonstrate our modern-day classrooms and invite our public into our schools. Then, and only then, will people understand how education has changed and needs to continue to evolve, because remember, we are teaching students for their future and not our past!  

 

 

 

Dec 01

Learner vs. Learned

 

“In times of change learners inherit the earth; while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.” Eric Hoffer

Doctors are certainly viewed as learned. They possess an incredible amount of knowledge and their practice is unique. Their medical degree certainly suggests that they are learned. But how satisfied would you be with your doctor if she did not engage in further learning beyond her degree? Would we not want our own doctor to learn about the latest research, most effective practices and prescribe the best new drugs? It would be unacceptable for doctors to be simply learned, they must also be learners.

The same must be true for educators. Although it is not often  recognized universally, educators do possess a unique body of knowledge that satisfies a professional designation. It is easy to criticize educators because all of us have gone to school but the fact is unless you’ve been in the classroom you have limited knowledge of the real work of a teacher. However, receiving that education degree only enables educators to be viewed as learned.

There was a time in education when being learned was all that was required. We held the knowledge and delivered it accordingly. But today’s classroom is far different and far more diverse than ever before. Now, educators must still be learned to a high degree but to be truly effective, educators must be learners through and through. Just as we would expect our doctors to engage in the latest practices, we must expect that of our educators too! Today’s educators must be lifelong learners throughout their careers.

There are two critical drivers of being a learner in our educational system. The first is internal and is a necessary component for learning to be activated. Attitude! Educators, new or experienced must first have the attitude to be a learner. There needs to be a constant desire to improve one’s practice, to hone one’s skills. This is a difficult task because it requires honest self-reflection on the part of the teacher and high levels of feedback from supervisors and peers.

“Teachers who set high goals, who persist, who try another strategy when one approach is found wanting – in other words, teachers who have a high sense of efficacy and act on it – are more likely to have students who learn.” (Shaughnessy, 2004)

Classroom doors need to be flung open to expose our many strengths and also the areas requiring improvement. While that may sound to be a common attribute for educators, like most people in society, they are not overly eager to try something new beyond their own comfort zone!

“To teach like a professional or teach like a pro, as they say in the language of sports, is a personal commitment to rigorous training, continuous learning, collegial feedback, respect for evidence, responsiveness to parents, striving for excellence, and going far beyond the requirements of any written contract. But teaching like a pro, day in , day out, cannot be sustained unless your colleagues teach like pros too. … “Professional capital is about collective responsibility, not individual autonomy; about scientific evidence as well as personal judgment; about being open to one’s clients rather than sitting on a pedestal above them; and ultimately about being tough on those colleagues who, after every effort and encouragement, fall short of their professional mission and let their peers as well as their students down (p. xv)”. (Hargreaves and Fullan)

The second driver must be support. This driver comes from multiple sources but it must begin with an environment of support. A sense of trust must be established to allow for teachers to step out of their comfort zone. The ability for teachers to “try and fail” and risk take with the use of high yield strategies without the threat of outside watchdogs is central to a supportive environment. The support default (time and resources) tends to fall as a responsibility of the school or school system. There is little argument of that! Schools and systems need to create opportunities, time and resources for educators to engage in learning. It is unfair however, to believe that the school or system themselves have all the means to offer this solely. Additionally, educators must seek out other educators to collaborate and share and engage in professional dialogue about their professional practice. To suggest that this can only occur within the confines of the school day, while students are present is unrealistic.

We recognize that a love of learning must be a goal of any educational system since learners will be those who inherit the earth. We also understand that while students are in school, their greatest impact is from their teachers. They have the ability and possibly the responsibility to act as a role model for the love of learning and the importance of being not just learned but a learner! It is no longer permissible to be just learned! Educators must be learners!

 

Nov 28

Developing the Young Brain

During the last couple of months, I’ve been fortunate to be involved in some community facilitated conversations that have centered on the importance of early learning and care. Traditional thinking has a tendency to believe that early learning begins in kindergarten, or maybe a year or two earlier. Although that may be true for what is viewed as “formal” education, the research suggests the importance of early learning right from birth. In fact, the latest research is clear that brains are not just born, but rather built over time based on our experiences. It is important, therefore, that our children get a good start in their brain development right from birth.

A good start requires the development of a strong foundation that promotes a lifetime of good mental function and overall health. Brain experts suggest that a model of serve and return interactions from caregivers to children provides for strong brain development. These interactions, from eye contact to singing, modeling and play, all support the building blocks necessary for a strong foundation. They assist children in dealing with healthy stress which prepares them to cope with future challenges.  The picture is quite different without those interactions coupled with abuse or neglect. Frightening are the statistics of the negative and long lasting impacts on our young children when faced with toxic stress from the ages of 0-6.

We have often believed that early learning is confined to the role of educators, or of parents, guardians and care givers. However, Canadian economists suggest that, for every dollar spent on the early years, there is at least a seven dollar return to the community through education, health or the judicial system. Nearly one in four children in our community live in poverty and 27% of typically developing children are entering kindergarten with vulnerabilities in one or more of the developmental domains. These statistics create an achievement gap in learning and an opportunity gap in life. Children impacted have impeded success in school as well as resulting health issues in adulthood, both of which negatively affect communities.

The Government of Alberta passed the Children First Act on May 14th this year. It recognizes that, although the primary care for children will always rest with parents, guardians and families, communities and government must be responsible as well. Our community needs to be aggressive in its approach to ensure we raise resilient children, ready for school, not just by knowing their letters and numbers but, more importantly, by knowing how to problem solve.

To learn more about brain development check out this short video from the Alberta Family Wellness Initiative.

This blog post was first published in the Lethbridge Herald on November 26, 2013.

Nov 24

From the Desk of the Superintendent- November 24, 2013

Well it is Grey Cup day and if the result is best for our neighbours to the east of us, there could be a provincial holiday called tomorrow. Although my Eskimos are not there, I will be certainly cheering green later today! Go Riders Go!

This past week, I’ve had a number of opportunities to discuss leadership and change. Interactions with our leaders and staff showcasing innovative practices either face to face or through technology are extremely exciting. I was also in the teaching (and learning) mode presenting at our own leadership program as well as to the Gonzaga University master’s cohort. Change, which is a constant, must be viewed as a journey or process as opposed to a destination or event. There is no greater evidence of change than within our education system. Inspiring Education, a conversation with Albertans three years ago has charted our course for an improved education system. The 3 E’s, engaged thinker, ethical citizen with an entrepreneurial spirit are required to ensure we prepare students for their future and not our past. Tied to Inspiring Education is the Ministerial Order on Student Learning. It sets the stage for the 21st century classroom in preparation for the educated Albertan of 2030. This wave of transformation is not something that will pass and so I highly encourage staff, parents, community members, business and industry and post-secondary to be fully aware of Inspiring Education and the Ministerial Order on Student Learning. These will guide us to the classrooms of tomorrow!

Over the next couple of weeks the Board of Trustees and Senior Administration and the local executive of our teachers’ association will be gathering to celebrate. The first celebration held on November 26th at 5:30 PM will be to recognize the signing of a memorandum of agreement that has concluded the collective bargaining process. Once the Framework Agreement was signed off between the Government of Alberta and the provincial Alberta Teachers’ Association, our local agreement was negotiated in just two meetings. This quick turnaround is a tribute to both sides who were open and transparent and willing to give and take. I commend our teachers’ negotiating committee for their excellent work and a special thanks to local ATA President Mark Nixon for his leadership. Our second celebration will be our annual joint ATA/Board liturgy and Christmas dinner held on December 3rd.

The Board of Trustees continue their torrid pace since being sworn in on October 30th. Trustees attended the annual fall general meetings of both the ACSTA and ASBA in Edmonton last week and participated in various workshops to assist them in their roles. The steep learning curve (especially for our new trustees) was well supported by a board governance workshop held last week, facilitated by Jim Gibbons from ASBA. The November board meeting upcoming this Wednesday typically has the fullest agenda of the year. The Board will be approving the 2012-13 Audited Financial Statements, 2013-14 Final Operating Budget, and combined 3-Year Education Plan/Annual Education Results Report. Once approved, all of these documents will be on our website. The Board will also be providing topics for their upcoming meeting with the Council of School Council Chairs meeting on the evening of December 2nd. A new wrinkle this year for school divisions and one that caused signficant stress is the conversion of our financial statements from the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to Public Sector Accounting Standards (PSAS). Please note that our board meetings begin at 6:00 PM and are open to the public.

I will be heading out into our schools this coming week and conversing with our administrators about their school plans. These meetings allow our administrators to share what they’ve done in the last 30 days to make learning a priority in their schools and what they will be doing in the next 30 days. To often the “management” of the building/division takes us away from the core purpose of education which is learning! Getting out of my office and into schools reminds me what is most important too!

Taking a look at the calendar of events, some of our highlights are:

  • St. Michael’s School in Pincher Creek is having a professional development day on Monday.
  • Our Learning Leadership Team will be involved in professional development on early learning on Tuesday morning. PD opportunities on various topics are offered on a monthly basis to all of our system and school leaders.
  • The first of our faith formation sessions for all staff interested will be held on Tuesday evening at 7:00 PM at St. Basil Catholic Education Centre. Fr. Kevin Tumback will be presenting on the Eucharist.
  • Our Inclusive Education Liaisons will be meeting on Wednesday afternoon.
  • Our senior education leaders will be attending our regular zone CASSIX (College of Alberta School Superintendents Zone 6) meeting this coming Thursday afternoon and evening and Friday morning
  • As we begin the season of Advent, schools are busy preparing for the coming of Christ. Catholic Central High School in Lethbridge has their classroom Advent celebration on Friday at 8:00 AM. St. Catherine School in Picture Butte will host their 1st Advent Celebration at 10:45 AM and St. Joseph School in Coaldale will have a Blessing of the Advent Wreath celebration at 11:30 AM on Friday as well.

Some of my favorite reads from Twitter this past week that I would like to pass along are as follows:

  1. Snapchat is a highly used application for teens. Here is a great article about Snapchat for parents. http://www.snapchat.com/static_files/parents.pdf 
  2. From the author of Drive is a post entitled Dan Pink: How Teachers Can Sell a Love to Learning to Students  http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2013/01/dan-pink-how-teachers-can-sell-love-of-learning-to-students/
  3. And finally a great article on providing effective feedback for learning. http://www.teachthought.com/learning/20-ways-to-provide-effective-feedback-for-learning/ 

Nov 16

Moving ahead…now!

Earlier this week, a large group from our division participated in a facilitated conversation led by Mark Bevan and Karen Shipka from Alberta Education Workforce Planning Branch. The group included trustees, senior administration, principals, associate principals, ATA local executive, lead teachers and members of the PD Council. The purpose of the conversation with this varied group was to:

  1. Unpack the Ministerial Order on Student Learning,
  2. Review the goals of Inspiring Education  and
  3. Discuss the future adults (parent, teacher, principal, superintendent, trustee) of 2016.

It is becoming increasingly clear that the way we currently deliver education is neither beneficial for ALL students nor  for preparing them for a future world of unprecedented change. While some students benefit from the ability to regurgitate knowledge and prefer compliance over engagement, ALL students would benefit from an education system that develops an intrinsic love of life-learning, enhances creativity and innovation and develops strong critical thinking skills. The Ministerial Order on Student Learning proclaimed in May 2013 and Inspiring Education released over three years ago speaks to that type of education system.

To be frank, this is not something that is coming, it is something that should be occurring in our classrooms today, right now. To also be fair, this type of learning environment is happening in many classrooms around the province but not in all classrooms and not throughout the entire Alberta system. This is simply unacceptable as ALL students deserve this highest quality of learning in every classroom. However, there are some precursors that must be put into place for all classrooms to meet the Ministerial Order.

  1. Permission- teachers need to be given the ability to be creative in their own classrooms. They need to collectively agree on the 10 most important outcomes for each grade level and subject and teach those outcomes deeply with great understanding of student interest to ensure relevance. Our goal needs to be engaged students who come home excited about their learning as opposed to compliant students who reply to the age-old question, “What did you learn today?” with “Nothing!” In order for permission to be provided, teachers need not only be learned but learners.
  2. Removal of 20th Century Assessments- I’ve spoken openly about my disdain for how Provincial Achievement Tests are used by institutes and the media in previous posts. There will always be a place for some form of standardized testing but not in the way they are currently being used. There are too many 21st century skills and competencies that cannot be effectively measured in a paper and pencil test. We need to find more appropriate methods of communicating learning instead of simply measuring achievement.  
  3. Creation of an Assurance Model- It would be unfair and I believe categorically incorrect to simply allow the teacher’s “marks” to stand. Even with the high standards we have in Alberta, there is a large continuum in teaching ability in our classrooms. Diploma exams were resurrected in the early 80’s due to the inconsistencies in teacher quality and grading practices. But the accountability system we currently live in does not promote the rich learning that Inspiring Education is promoting. However, parents have the right and government (who spend billions of dollars) deserve to be assured that high quality learning exists in all classrooms. An assurance model compared to the accountability model is desirable!
  4. On-side parents and communities- Although we’ve all gone through schooling, what may have worked (operable word is may) for you will not work for your children. There is too much research out there that does not support our antiquated system of education. Because that is what is known and what you are comfortable with does not mean that it is the right way! We still hold on to structures (2 months of holidays in the summer for example) that do not make any sense in this day and age. It is time to let go of past practices and move toward an engaging environment where your child is highly engaged and being prepared for their future and not your past.
  5. Educators themselves- Most parents trust their child’s teacher implicitly. If educators are not having these conversations about Inspiring Education with their parents, we will graduate another generation of students not prepared for their changing world. We cannot stand back and let others tell the story- it must come from us. Furthermore, our actions (teaching pedagogy) must be aligned with Inspiring Education… NOW! Given that we no longer have Provincial Achievement Test in grade 3, we should be able to show parents and the community how vastly different and greatly improved our teaching practice has become. Our engaging creative classrooms must be evident given the removal of this barrier.

The Ministerial Order on Student Learning and Inspiring Education is where we need to be in order to  develop success in all students. The permission for creativity and innovative practice in the classroom, focusing on key learner outcomes and ensuring learner relevance for engagement are monumental changes to the system. Yet, without these changes, education will remain relatively uninspired with at best transactional and incremental adjustments instead of the required transformation. The pathway to achieving our transformed outcomes for education may not be crystal clear but our vision of Inspiring Education must always remain in sharp focus!

Nov 10

From the Desk of the Superintendent- November 10, 2013

Since my days as a principal, I have always provided a weekly update to my staff. Initially, it was a word document that was photocopied and placed in every staff member’s mailbox, then through e-mail with an additional copy posted in the staffroom to finally by e-mail only. I’ve continued that practice as a Superintendent, by communicating through an e-mail my weekly schedule and highlights upcoming to members of the Learning Leadership Team (LLT), trustees and St. Basil Catholic Education Centre staff.  When George Couros was in our division, he challenged me to take the next step and publish my weekly update in a blog to communicate not only to the above aforementioned but for all staff, parents and community stakeholders. Some initial feedback from members of the LLT suggested that I needed to continue with my weekly updates to them. However, the once a month From the Desk of the Superintendent that I currently send to all staff, does not seem to be sufficient for communications purposes for our Division. Therefore, I’m going to endeavour to send updates at a minimum of  twice a month that will communicate some aspects of my schedule, highlights around the division and timely articles that I’ve read and would like to share. This will be the only time that I send this update to staff by e-mail. It will be made available through Twitter, be on our website and can be accessed through a RSS feed.

Last week I travelled to St. Catherine School and Father Leonard van Tighem schools for their Remembrance Day Services. Unlike Brian Macauley, our Deputy Superintendent who has two brothers who served in the military, I have no direct connection. However, my yearly attendance at our services, reminds me of the importance of recognizing the past and current men and women who have so courageously served our country in war and peace keeping missions. While our country may not be perfect, much of what we have today, the many blessings that we often take for granted are attributed to women and men of yesterday (many of whom have fallen) and those currently serving today. On November 11th, I would ask that we as families and as community gather in a moment of silence and recognize the sacrifices made by many so that we may enjoy the life we have here in Canada today.

On Tuesday, I have invited Mark Bevan and Karen Shipka from the Workforce Planning Branch to lead a facilitated conversation on the Educated Albertan. Members of the LLT, trustees, ATA Executive, C2 committee members and PD Chairs have all been invited to attend. The conversation will be based on the Ministerial Order on Student Learning passed on May 6, 2013, Inspiring Education and some draft documents of the parent, teacher, principal, superintendent and school trustee of 2016.

On Wednesday after a meeting with senior administration (SALT) and a zone 6 ASBA meeting, I will begin my trek to Edmonton for almost a week of meetings. My first set of meetings will be held on Thursday and Friday with other Catholic superintendents from around the province. We meet four times a year with a format that includes hot topic issues, business and faith formation. From Friday evening until Sunday afternoon, Alberta Catholic School Trustees’ Association (ACSTA) hosts its fall general meeting. The keynote speaker will be Reverend Raymond Carey from Oregon. Reverend Carey presented at Blueprints a couple of years ago. Two of our former trustees, Nadine King and Bosco Baptista will also be in attendance to receive their nine-year award. Alberta School Boards’ Association (ASBA) fall general meeting begins on Sunday evening and concludes late Tuesday afternoon. George Couros will keynote at ASBA. I will be back in the office on Wednesday, November 20th.

The links that I would like to share with you are as follows:

  1. This first link is a short video on the importance of trades as a career. With our focus on off campus education this year, this is an excellent video to show to students and parents alike. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ql5exNa8wQ&list=PLF14E8E21F2829126&index=3 
  2. A favorite blogger of mine is Tom Whitby. In his blog he talks about 20th century vs. 21st century teaching http://tomwhitby.wordpress.com/2013/11/08/20th-vs-21st-century-teaching/ 
  3. Grades, incentives and rewards seem to be in the news a fair amount lately. Here’s an article from the Washington Post entitled, “Grades aren’t the point of school; learning is” http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/grades-arent-the-point-of-school-learning-is/2013/11/05/c652cb30-39cc-11e3-a94f-b58017bfee6c_story.html 
  4. And finally, we are learning so much about brain development. This short video is very powerful! http://www.albertafamilywellness.org/resources/video/how-brains-are-built-core-story-brain-development 

Have a great week!

 

Nov 05

From the Desk of the Superintendent- Catholic Education Sunday 2013

Catholic Education Sunday was celebrated in Alberta on November 3. The following message was read at all masses by trustees and administration.

Holy Spirit is a regional division that serves students in Coaldale, Lethbridge, Picture Butte, Pincher Creek, Taber, and surrounding areas.  Today, we celebrate Catholic Education Sunday.  Each year we set aside this special day to celebrate the gift of publicly funded Catholic Education here in the province of Alberta.

The theme chosen by the Alberta Bishops for this year’s Catholic Education Sunday is, “Caring for the Gifts that God has Given Us.” It aligns well with our division’s new three year faith plan, “Taking Our Place at the Table.” When Pope Francis said at his installation mass, “I want to ask you a favour…I want to ask you to walk together and take care of one another,” his words spoke directly to our division. We are all called to care for and protect the gifts that God has given us and we must help our poor and the most marginalized in our community. Pope Francis’ request for a favour must be our call to action!

In Year 1 of our theme, we will focus on the Catholic Social teachings of human dignity, the common good and participation. We understand that we are “created in the image and likeness of God.” (Genesis 1:26-27). As a division we will learn about our gifts from God and acknowledge the wonder of all creation. Our call to participate will have us exploring new ideas to help shape our community and the world.  Our students will make discoveries using both faith and reason.

Catholic education within the walls of our Holy Spirit schools must lead our students to a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. This encounter will prepare our students to take their place at the table, where they will serve the needs of others, always focusing on the common good. In doing so, they will also recognize the gift of publicly funded Catholic Education in Alberta. They will see how our Holy Spirit schools are a partnership with parents and the church, and will become faithful guardians of Catholic Education for future generations; seeking to foster and strengthen the bonds that exist between school, home, and the parish.  

As we celebrate Catholic Education Sunday this weekend, I would ask that you pray for our students, our staff and our Catholic schools as they take their place at the table.  Have a wonderful Catholic Education Sunday and God Bless!

Nov 02

From the Desk of the Superintendent- November 2013

I’m writing this blog post from my hotel room in Edmonton. I’ve been here for the last three days involved in meetings and professional learning and travel back to Lethbridge tomorrow. The first couple of days of meetings were for international education. As many of you are aware, we entered the foray of international education this year and currently have students attending our schools from Colombia. Another group of students will be arriving for short-term (1 month) stays again later this month. Being around experienced divisions involved in international education was a great learning experience. Any time that you are entering into new territory, it is always helpful to learn from those who have been previously involved. We have been cautious with our approach to ensure that we have the capacity before we “jump” into the deep water. Unfortunately, due to a number of reasons, all of our students are not able to travel internationally and therefore, our program, especially the home stay portion allows students and families to experience a student exchange without leaving home. Eventually we will be looking at long-term stays but at present this is where we need to begin. I would highly encourage our Holy Spirit community to consider becoming involved in our international education program through a home stay. For further information, check out our link here.  

Today, I spent the day in a learning opportunity known as edcamp. In the truest sense, the edcamp philosophy is one that is held on a non-work day, usually Saturday, is free and has no set agenda. While some professional development may be directed, the edcamp model is completely directed by the participant. You register, if you want, and you select (with your feet) what topics you want to discuss and be involved in. The participants, based on their own needs and desires build the agenda. At #edcampyeg, I engaged with other educators on the following topics:

  1. Project based learning
  2. Google docs
  3. Leading in the 21st century
  4. High School Flexibility

In the edcamp model, there is no presenter only a facilitator to keep the conversation going. This open spaces or unconference allows people to become truly engaged and therefore significantly accountable for their own learning. Another advantage of the edcamp model is that there is no learning hierarchy; everyone is a learner regardless of position. The experience will serve me well in my role but also assist in the organizing of #Lethcamp coming to Lethbridge on January 25th at the University of Lethbridge. Many thanks and congratulations to the #edcampyeg organizing committee.

Returning to October, the first board meeting of this term was held on October 30th. Congratulations to our new Board Chair, Mr. Terry O’Donnell and new Vice Chair, Mr. Bob Spitzig. For a complete list of all the committee memberships and an update on the entire meeting, please read the Board Meeting Briefs. I again want to reiterate my gratitude to our former board members, Sandra Dufresne, Nadine King, Bosco Baptista, David DeCock and Connie Gross who decided not to run this term. Your commitment to Holy Spirit Catholic Schools is much appreciated. I’m looking forward to working with our board during this next 4-year term and welcome both our incumbent  and new trustees. The role that trustees play in our educational system (although often not recognized) is extremely important to both the local and the provincial context. The trustees (especially our new) will be extremely busy both from the learning curve but also the fall general meetings that they will be attending in Edmonton for Alberta Catholic School Trustees’ Association (ACSTA) and Alberta School Boards’ Association (ASBA).

Tomorrow I will return to Lethbridge to celebrate Catholic Education Sunday. During each weekend mass, trustees and administrators will be providing a brief message about Catholic Education. The message highlights our new 3-year faith plan for the division, “Taking Our Place at the Table.” We recognize that taking our place at the table must be a partnership between home, parish and school to be fully realized. Each partner, must be strong in the nurturing of faith in our children. Please continue to pray for each partner as they too take their place at the table.

Finally, I would like to leave you with some educational articles that I’ve read during this past month. They may cause you to be reflective or simply solidify your own beliefs. Regardless, have a read and share them when you can!

Enjoy your November!