| By Pius Ryan, Assistant Superintendent, North Vancouver School District
Education is a field that at its very core is replete with
change. Not just with ‘new’ curriculum or the educational ‘flavour of the day’,
but in its very nature. Each year
children and youth start a ‘new’ journey. Over the summer children change; they
develop physically, emotionally, and intellectually. In September, they are
generally joining a new cohort of children in their new class or classes. For some it is the first day at a new school,
for all it is the first day with a new teacher and new grade.
Change.
Students look to settle in and find their footing in the new order of things, while
their teachers and educational assistants are equally busy with getting to know
who their students are, how they might work together, and how to create a safe, caring,
and thoughtful learning community. The
convergence of change defines the start of each school year. Within the swirl of change as a natural part of schooling I am overwhelmed as a parent to see the care of each educator and how they welcome their colleagues and our students to the exciting year ahead. Thank you! In considering change, please see the attached links to two insightful
articles about schools, and our changing understanding of the nature of
learning:
The Nature of Learning.pdf
Road Less Traveled.pdf
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