The Importance of Connectedness

Connectedness. Initative. Confidence. Empowerment. I want this for all our students.  I did when I was an elementary classroom teacher, for 20 years, and now that I’m in my 10^th year as an administrator, I am more committed than ever to provide opportunities for children to develop their social and emotional learning skills along with strong foundational academic abilities. It is a fast world we live in, all of us, including our students. Full days of school, after-school activities, athletic endeavours, artistic pursuits, days that are programmed from dawn to bedtime.

Living in a global competitive world has a myriad of advantages. The ability to access information instantly and at the touch of a finger is keeping us connected to what is happening around the world. However, we also know that the fast-paced life brings along some challenges. Anxiety levels in children are higher than ever, as many of our students feel the pressure to succeed to compete in this global setting. Technology has created a wonderful web of learners, but for some, it also means a loss of connectedness with peers, friends, meaningful adults. How can we ensure that children achieve balance? Stay connected to each other and their immediate circle, develop confidence in themselves while feeling empowered to make a difference in the world? There are many things that we can do, as the adults who guide them, at home and at school. Children are naturally hopeful; they are optimistic and keen to make a difference. If we give them opportunities to contribute to the world, they will be thrilled to show us that they have initiative and energy to spare. Looking at our school programs, I am encouraged by all the possibilities.

Being new at Chartwell school this year, I am still learning about the different initiatives that are in place to support our students in the social and emotional domain. A few weeks ago, we had our first family group activity of the year, making an art project to decorate the gymnasium for the upcoming Halloween Family Dance, an annual tradition at Chartwell. Students are grouped in 13 “families”, with students from Kindergarten to Grade 7. Each family has a teacher leader. What an excellent way to connect students to other students from different classes and grade levels! What an excellent way to connect students to teachers they might not know! We have significant research data that shows the importance of connecting students to others within the school. We know this. We have known this for a long time. When I started teaching 30 years ago, we had family groups at my school, and this initiative has been present in all the schools were I have worked in the last 30 years. Nice to know that when something works, it lasts. For me, it is so heartwarming to see Grade 6 and 7 boys and girls working with our youngest students. Our senior students are leaders in our school and the leadership team is extremely active. There are lunch monitors, playground monitors, office monitors, and announcers. The opportunities for leadership and mentorship provide a win-win for all students.

Connectedness extends even beyond the walls of the school. In the last month, we had two visits from Grade 9 Sentinel students. Their English teacher, Mr. Alassadi, reached out to our Grade 1 and 2 teachers who gladly accepted the offer of connecting our students. The Grade 9 students wrote stories for a younger audience. How wonderful to see many former students of mine that first day when they came through the front door! Our primary students delighted in been paired with their big buddies. The energy in the room was palpable, as the senior students introduced themselves to the little ones who were thrilled to tell them about themselves before listening to the creative stories expertly written and delivered by the secondary students.

Connectedness was also witnessed last week when our Teacher Librarian Ms. Gratton hosted a story time session in our library for the Strong Start preschoolers and their parents and grandparents. The Strong Start program runs twice a week in our Properties Family Hub portable, right outside our building. The little ones enjoyed spending time in our library, getting familiar with what might be their future school, and developing a love of reading with their families.

We are lucky at Chartwell to be in a connected community. The first time I visited our school, for the Multicultural Dinner and evening, I felt that strong sense of community.  The learning community is vibrant as teachers work together to provide an engaging learning environment for all our students. Teachers all take an active part in a number of committees to move learning forward at Chartwell. Our students enjoy contributing to school life, at any age. I am so impressed with everyone’s enthusiasm for learning.

Chartwell School is a place where students feel connected, empowered, confident, and I praise their initiative in the many projects that are ongoing. There are a lot of changes upon us; a new curriculum, new communicating student learning guidelines, new learning spaces to better suit the needs of the students. Within such a connected community, change is safe, and valued.