Yep. Here we are. Strange times, indeed. While we are currently celebrating our kids by honouring the planned two-week spring break, we do know that the holiday will soon be over (for everyone). Sleep schedules, eating times, and access to electronic devices will all witness radical changes. With the inevitable end in sight (and the … Continue reading A New Normal: Learning Amid COVID-19
Finding Equanimity: It’s Not Just For Yogis Anymore
You always own the option of having no opinion. There is never any need to get worked up or to trouble your soul about things you can't control. These things are not asking to be judged by you. Leave them alone. ~Marcus Aurelius Lately, I have, for lack of a better phrase, worked on not … Continue reading Finding Equanimity: It’s Not Just For Yogis Anymore
Teaching (and Learning) Science Through Two-Eyes
This we know. The Earth does not belong to man; man belongs to the Earth. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself. All things are connected like the blood which unites one family. All things are connected. … Continue reading Teaching (and Learning) Science Through Two-Eyes
Unconventional Advice: Remember the Pain(ful)
I recently came across a speech from Chief Justice of the United Supreme Court, John Roberts who is currently presiding over the presidential impeachment trial. While the passionate and honest address was directly to his son's Grade 9 graduating class at an exceptionally exclusive private school for boys in Grades 6-9, it might be one … Continue reading Unconventional Advice: Remember the Pain(ful)
Bringing FLOW To Our Students
Contrary to what we usually believe, moments like these, the best moments in our lives, are not the passive, receptive, relaxing times — although such experiences can also be enjoyable, if we have worked hard to attain them. The best moments usually occur when a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits in … Continue reading Bringing FLOW To Our Students
The Beautiful Art of Boredom
Boredom is just the reverse side of fascination: both depend on being outside rather than inside a situation, and one leads to the other. ~Arthur Schopenhauer "Daaaaaaaaaad...I'm bored." Yep. With the winter holidays finally seeing its end, this has been audible a few times over the past two days. It is, of course, a very … Continue reading The Beautiful Art of Boredom
This Is Us (with Grade 9, baby)
Middle school is exactly what it sounds like. A mixed-up mess of nothing, and yet everything at the same time. ~Julia Remillard I couldn't help myself. Cue the music... https://youtu.be/IOLl-8ZqMZw All That Is Old Is...Still Old In my twenty-two plus years in British Columbia public education as both teacher and administrator one thing has become … Continue reading This Is Us (with Grade 9, baby)
Die Wise: Wisdom for Living/Dying
I just began reading Stephen Jenkinson's amazing book , Die Wise: A Manifesto for Sanity and Soul. And as most profound, deeply informed, highly reflective writing as apt to do it has significantly shifted my thinking about my relationships, my mortality, and what really matters in my life. With chapter titles like "The Ordeal Of … Continue reading Die Wise: Wisdom for Living/Dying
Circle It Up: All in the Name of Community
It's not foreign for me to be talking about my problems in circles. ~Matthew Perry As a part of our re-visioning for a newly expanded middle years program (grades 7-9), we made it essential that we could have a designated space for a twice-a-day circle to fit 49 students, five staff members, and room for … Continue reading Circle It Up: All in the Name of Community
A Healthy Professional Balance
Any political agenda and organization which doesn't begin with personal responsibility is just half the argument. It's just not going to succeed. ~Peter Coyote I have an admission... For years I complained publicly and privately that our school district was not doing enough to support its teachers. Past professional learning opportunities included sponsoring a $10 … Continue reading A Healthy Professional Balance
GETTING CURIOUS 