So much learning last week, it’s hard to know where to even begin! Thanks again to everyone who participated in our staff meeting on Monday, whether you were a featured presenter or a thought creator in the small groups, your participation was greatly appreciated. Having heard Jeffery,  Leah, and Shantel speak got me thinking about our willingness to be vulnerable, especially in front of a group of our peers. As I reflect on the week, I’m forced to think about three particular things; a piano recital, a one-on-one conversation with a principal, and a math workshop.

First, the piano recital. My two oldest take lessons and last Sunday they performed in the annual Christmas recital along with 20 other students. What stood out to me was the final piece that was played by the instructor. He could have selected any piece he wanted and it would have been fine, however he chose to go down a path that surprised and impressed me, he chose a piece that stretched him. As he played and struggled over the occasional note I could not help but marvel at his courage and willingness to show that his learning will never stop. The second thing I reflected on was a conversation I had with a principal at our ALT meeting on Tuesday. The theme for our day was feedback  and my question for this administrator was, “how to you get daily feedback?” This question lead us to a place where we discussed those moments when we feel like impostors, like we’re just faking our way through it. We wondered how many others in the room or in our schools feel like this from time to time, and we also wondered how we could be a support for those who need it. The final thing I thought about was our math workshop with Karen Campbell. During our conversations it was apparent that none of us were 100% satisfied with our current path program. As an administrator I was humbled by the honesty in the room. It was a great reflection of the learning stance you have taken as a staff and I’m very excited to be a part of this journey moving forward.

I wonder how you are vulnerable with your students? Dr. Robert Dornsife states that, “(b)eing vulnerable is the inevitable result of the trust we must have in our students, as we expect to teach and learn from them and with them in every respect.” His article, which is the first learning link, is written from a University perspective, however it does provide food for thought regardless of the age of students we teach. How do you build trust with your students? What are some things you do that shows them you respect them as learners? The second learning link comes from Oprah Winfrey’s conversation with Brene’ Brown, PhD, who talks about the importance of vulnerability and how it is a cornerstone to self confidence. It’s a short, but powerful video, and I wonder what it caused you to think. I really believe as we continue to take risks as educators to move learning for every student forward, we must be willing to be vulnerable.

Here’s what lies ahead this week:

Monday:

• the gym is closed for play practice, and will remain closed until the 21st

Tuesday:

• Chris is away all day

Wednesday:

• Wednesday is our Christmas lunch which takes place in the Home Ec lab

Thursday:

• Staff meeting (final book club meeting) 8:00 am
• Bruce is away today

Friday:

• Chris & Bruce are taking the bus drivers for breakfast as a token of everyone’s appreciation

As always, create a great week!