Starting a new year often fosters time for reflection. Whether setting goals or making resolutions for the year ahead, reflecting on that for which we are grateful, and the reasons for that gratitude are, in my mind, always a good start.
As many know, I write a weekly blog that is typically posted on Sunday prior to the week ahead. This first week back, however, I wanted to wait until I had attended our day of professional development. Today, with our students still on holiday, our staff were able to use the time for reflection and learning: paramount for their ability to provide the best supports and learning for our girls.
Part of our day was spent hearing from the facilitators of nine small learning groups comprised of all of our faculty. Last spring, the faculty had identified areas of learning interest and then, in early fall of this year, facilitators were sought, and these groups have been meeting regularly for a day during our new professional development time on Wednesday mornings. In addition, facilitators are meeting regularly to reflect on their work.
The whole staff appreciated the opportunity to hear about the faculty’s work and the work reflected thoughtful, research-based and engaged sessions.
These small groups’ topics include:
- Making Thinking Visible
- Diversity with an Indigenous focus
- Experiential Education
- Working with Students with Anxiety
- Differentiation
- Technology Integration
- Transdisciplinary Learning
- New Pedagogies for Deep Learning
- Project-Based Learning
As I reflect on our faculty learning and on our new St. Clement’s School timetable, especially the time it affords for continued faculty growth, I am grateful both for staff’s learning, as well as the structures that have enhanced their opportunities in which to do so.
I wish you the very best for a happy, healthy and learning-filled New Year!
