Don't take life too seriously; no one makes it out alive.Elbert Hubbard Our first child graduated yesterday. It was a big moment for many reasons, one being that it was a year we doubted whether him graduating was even a possibility. But, despite mental health, ADHD, and an addiction, he made it. Hell, I'm proud. … Continue reading A True ‘Honouring’ Tradition
Our ‘Truth Mandala’ Reality
Better to be slapped with the truth than kissed with a lie.Russian Proverb Yep. Being a lifelong learner really does pay off. In spades. I am continually reminded of this by my dear students. Today, my gang spent the day outside, and it has become a daily exercise for us. COVID has given many of … Continue reading Our ‘Truth Mandala’ Reality
Core Practice #4: Nourishment
When a flower doesn't bloom you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.Alexander den Heijer The fourth core practice of our school is that of nourishment. This has been the most difficult (so far) in that nourishment is often viewed as a one-way lens. From one perspective, nourishment is seen easily defined … Continue reading Core Practice #4: Nourishment
Core Practice #3: Empathy
Empathy is a choice; and it's a vulnerable choice. In order to connect with you, I have to connect with something in myself that knows that feeling.Brene Brown My exploration of our school's seven core practices continues this week as I reflect on the context and practice of Core Practice #3: Empathy. The etymology of … Continue reading Core Practice #3: Empathy
Core Practice #2: Courage
Fear will always be triggered by your creativity because creativity asks you to enter into realms of uncertain outcome, and fear hates uncertain outcome.Elizabeth Gilbert My journey of exploring our school core practices continues with reflecting how courage plays an elemental role in my daily professional practice. While the etymology of courage seems quite straightforward: … Continue reading Core Practice #2: Courage
Core Practice #1: Humility
May your life be like a wildflower growing freely in the beauty and joy of each day.Native American proverb Last week, I wrote briefly about the potency of honouring and living our school's core practices within my teaching practice, and how these core 'values' have helped to create, shape (square peg in a system of … Continue reading Core Practice #1: Humility
‘Operationalizing’ Our Core Values (Part 1)
[BLOG POST] Operationalizing Our Core Values (as a school) #bcedchat #edchat #values #emotionalintelligence #learning #communityoflearners
Aspiring Leaders (to the rescue)
If we want people to fully show up, to bring their whole selves including their unarmored, whole hearts—so that we can innovate, solve problems, and serve people—we have to be vigilant about creating a culture in which people feel safe, seen, heard, and respected.Brene Brown, Dare to Lead Admittedly, I have had a rocky relationship … Continue reading Aspiring Leaders (to the rescue)
Elusivity of Success: Self Redefinition
I have been sitting as a member of a weekly men's circle for nearly five years. And in that time, I have witnessed many men weep, rage, express despair, and laugh together a whole lot! Recently, a fellow circle 'brother' shared his deep-felt feelings about success and failure as a person, man, father, and partner. … Continue reading Elusivity of Success: Self Redefinition
Cubism and The Risk of Vulnerability: Part 2
Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.Brene Brown In a previous post, I shared my deep dive into professional risk-taking when I decided to introduce visual art into the classroom for the first time in twenty-four years as an educator. This is part of the transformation personal awakening … Continue reading Cubism and The Risk of Vulnerability: Part 2
