Our district does a great job promoting professional development from within. There are a number of opportunities for us as administrators (as I posted here). I am involved in a Study Group focusing on 21st Century Learning and Engaging the Digital Learner. We are concentrating our discussions right now on the book: Leading 21st CenturyContinue reading “Study Group – Parental Engagement”
Category Archives: Reflection
Office as Punishment Vs Understanding
As administrators, we are often responsible for disciplining children. When students misbehave, they are often sent to the office. There are many ways administrators can deal with children when they are sent to the office. The office can be seen as a venue of punishment or of care and understanding. Office as One ofContinue reading “Office as Punishment Vs Understanding”
A Time of Giving
This season brings a variety of emotions for individuals – both positive and negative. Some have memories of the Christmas season that are not the greatest. Worse than that, for some, Christmas is a painful time. For some, getting together with family during the holiday season can be very stressful. In contrast, for others, theContinue reading “A Time of Giving”
100 Minutes of Genius
I am in the midst of completing individual conferences with my students about their learning this term (and their grades). The end of the term is coming. It is a natural break in units and the focus on prescribed learning outcomes. Sure, I could start a new unit with my 4 classes and work onContinue reading “100 Minutes of Genius”
So Fortunate
As a teaching Vice-Principal, I am truly amazed by all that I get to experience each day. Not only do I teach Health & Career Education and French to intermediate students, but I also have the opportunity to be the Early Literacy Teacher in our school. During my Early Literacy teaching time, I work withContinue reading “So Fortunate”
My Grading Journey – Part 3
As I continue along my Grading Moratorium journey, and having my students take more ownership over their learning (and the grades they receive for the term), I am surprised often. I am surprised at the honesty, self-reflection, realism, and insight of my Grade 5 students. I was concerned that everyone would say they deserved toContinue reading “My Grading Journey – Part 3”
Charmed, I’m Sure
Have you ever met a little 6-year-old boy with Super-Powers? Or, perhaps a better question would be: Have you ever met a little 6-year-old boy who didn’t have Super-Powers? Many boys this age are full of energy, excitement, enthusiasm, and beans. Yes, a lot of BEANS! Some of these children also have very little self-controlContinue reading “Charmed, I’m Sure”
First Self-Reflection Conferences
The first term reporting period is upon us. In the past few weeks, I have reflected on and written about my struggles with assigning letter grades to my students. By putting my concerns and struggles out there for all to read, many of you gave me wonderful support and suggestions. Thank you all so much!Continue reading “First Self-Reflection Conferences”
The Primary Pad Buzz
After hearing about one of our teacher’s experience and witnessing the excitement of the students, I knew I wanted to give PrimaryPad a try with my own classes. It went really well, for the most part. The second class I tried it with went much better than the first class though. I think that myContinue reading “The Primary Pad Buzz”
A Lesson in Persistence and Collaboration
One of our Grade 5 teachers tried something new a couple of weeks ago. It turned out fabulous, but not without a few hiccups. Her class is studying the environment, so she wanted to have her class collaboratively answer a debatable question regarding farming salmon. With the help of our Teacher-Librarian, she and another GradeContinue reading “A Lesson in Persistence and Collaboration”
It's All About Learning 