Presence and Intent

The Richmond Association of School Administrators hosted their biennial retreat this past weekend at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler in beautiful Whistler, BC.  As the first village snowfall of the season came, we engaged in professional conversations about "Leveraging our Leadership Through Times of Change". 

 

Thursday night's keynote speaker was BC educator Tom Schimmer.  He gave us some helpful reminders of what stage staff may be at in terms of willingness and capacity to make change.  Tom's humorous style and ability to tell stories made the session easy to follow and related well to the environments we are all facing.

 

Friday we had some engaging conversations facilitated by Diana Cawood and former Richmond District administrator, Stephanie Hardman.  We spent some time analyzing our "best selves" and discussed how we need to remember the values that lead to those examples.  The opportunity to connect with feeder-school families was beneficial and has prompted us to schedule time to connect with one another more regularly.  Friday concluded with a dinner and social event that highlighted just how likeably human all of the people in the group are, proving that each of us is so much more than "professional educator". 

 

Saturday had a slightly slower pace and concluded the weekend with some EdCamp-style conversations on wide-ranging topics including Assessment, the BCEd Plan, Technology in the Classroom and Student Engagement.  The most important element to these discussions was recognizing and sharing with each other the passion we all have for what we do, and promoting the opportunity to connect with each other to share the ideas, practices and philosophies.

 

A Google Doc of the weekend can be found here.  The conversation all weekend was rich, but two things stood out to me more than anything else: 

 

#1 Intent must be clear. 

This is not a new idea, but I was reminded that while my intent may be clear to me, it can be easily misinterpreted by others.  Any intent needs to be clearly articulated, but it also must be supported by consistent behaviours.  While the discussion reminded many of Simon Sinek's "Start With Why", I reflected upon a video by Dan Pink I stumbled across earlier in the week titled "2 Questions".  If our sentence is clear to everyone, then the intent, or "Why" we are doing something should be understood by all with whom we work.

#2 Presence matters.

While this idea is not new either, I was reminded of both physical and emotional presence at the retreat and in a couple of circumstances this past week.  I made a point to get out of my office on Wednesday, and observed several classes.  In each example, I was fully engaged in the class and activities and got feedback from students and teachers, thanking me for my "presence".  The students were excited that I was taking an interest and participating in what they were doing, and the teachers were proud to showcase the efforts of their students and of the new things they were trying in class.

 

On a more personal note, I also got the chance on Wednesday to watch my eldest son participate in the "Fun Run" at Minoru park.  I got to see him as he approached the finish line, and the look on his face and the elevated effort once he saw me was palpable.  The run was at 4:30 PM, which is much earlier than I usually get home from work, and my son told me after he finished that he was worried I wouldn't be able make it.  That stung a little, because he needs to know that I would never miss an important event in his life, but the appreciation in his face and the extra effort that he gave when he saw me reminded me that staff and students are the same.  Everyone appreciates being seen and will work that much harder when someone who is fully-engaged and "in-the-moment" is there to cheer them on.

Thanks to the RASA Pro-D committee for organizing the event and to all of my colleagues for inspiring my thinking and contributing to my enjoyment of the time in Whistler.

The Difference We Make...

Friday, October 5th is World Teacher Day.  On this day, please take the time to acknowledge and appreciate the important work that teachers do.  With its arrival, I am reminded of a post I started last year, but never published.  Now is the time to share that post. 

At the end of a confusing and challenging year in British Columbia Public Education year, a teacher on the J.N. Burnett staff brought me the following note.  He had received it from a parent of a student he had taught a couple of times during her five years with the school.  It was an uplifting reminder of the positive impact teachers can have on young lives.  With the permission of the teacher and the parents who authored the letter, I share it here (names have been changed to protect the anonymity of all the parties involved).

Dear Mr. Johnston;

I wanted to not only express my sincerest thanks to you for being a very special  teacher to my daughter, Kirsten, for the past two years, but also to comment that you have the qualities for reaching a more challenging student like Kirsten.  Not all teachers have this talent.  To teach the easiest and brightest in the class is not tough, but to reach those with low marks and seemingly little interest and also to rope in those such as Kirsten who is not unintelligent, but who has had a lifetime of challenges due to her severe ADHD, that requires talent and caring.

Poor Kirsten has had her older brother (Jim), 10 years her elder, fly through highschool and UBC as a gifted student academically, musically and socially.  They love each other and Kirsten tried desperately to emulate him, but what a hard act to follow!  Jim never had you as a teacher, but recalls you as a TOC and remembers you fondly.

Kirsten's two biggest problems with English were reading too quickly, thus jumping words and then missing the point and much of the content.  But she always hated to go back (impatient like many of us...).  Her second big problem was editing, which you picked up on right away.

I tried for years to look at her writings and subtly make suggestions when she veered off topic or it didn't quite make sense.  But you, sir, are a teacher, and I am a nurse.  And who wants to listen to their mother, anyway?  Especially a mother who has had some serious medical issues this past year (Kirsten has many conficted and complicated feelings about this).

This year she was afraid of failing English.  But then she got you for a second time and you continued to, rather than just mark things "wrong", make suggestions or give her hints and ideas for how to make her thoughts "more correct" or "easier to understand".

You have also stimulated her interest in what she was reading in class, to the point, this year, that she would actually come home from school and tell me all about it!

The third (and probably most important) thing you did was create in her a desire to read for PLEASURE.  We are a large family of readers and to see her reading for joy (and not because she has to) is a pleasure for me and a happiness for her that is beyond words.

Little did she realize the tribute she was giving you last week when I asked her what she thought you had done for her.  She replied, "He gave me confidence in myself".  And so you did.  We can not thank you enough for instilling her love of learning and belief in herself.  You are a treasure of a teacher.  Thank you so much.

As has been stated before, "You make the weather" and teachers do make a difference.  Sometimes we don't hear it enough.  Thank you to the parent for taking the time to acknowledge the efforts and to the teacher for making such a positive difference for students at J.N. Burnett.

 Happy World Teacher's Day!

Grade 8 Retreat

Last week, the Grade 8 students from J.N. Burnett Secondary school took part in a three-day retreat to Camp Stillwood over-looking beautiful Cultus Lake in Chillwack, B.C.  143 of the 145 Grade 8 students in the school participated in the retreat along with 13 adult sponsors and 23 Grade 11 and 12 leadership students.  Everyone had an amazing experience, getting to know one another, developing their leadership skills and coming together as the Grad class of 2017.  With the weather surpassing everyone's expectations (27 degrees and sunny everyday), and the copious amounts of delicious food keeping everyone sustained, the trip was extremely enjoyable.  The trip created memories that will last a lifetime.  Two of the Senior Leadership students (Ian Sapollnik and Amanda Odorico) were kind enough to write a summary of the trip and what they felt was learned by those involved.

 

 

The grade eights came to the retreat with energy and excitement, but also with some insecurity. From the beginning, I could see them staying in their comfort zones, afraid of exploring the world of opportunity that exists when they step out. Since three days are not very long, there was no time to waste.

                We arrived at Camp Stillwood, settled down, and started off with a scavenger hunt. Through different activities that involved teamwork, creativity, problem solving and a whole lot of running, I could see my group already bonding and becoming a true team. Having collected all of our clues, we ran back to our starting point. Sweaty and exhausted, we assembled the letters we had been given into the phrase “Don’t Stop Believing.” I looked around at my team of grade eights, and I felt a sense of unity not just between them, but between us.

                Tuesday involved even more challenges, through a series of different activities: Drama, Team Building, Leadership Lessons and Art. For my team, Team Building was the most productive, because it allowed us to continue expanding the bonds we had developed both within our group as well as with other groups. My highlight of that day, maybe even the whole retreat, occurred as we were heading in for lunch.  The grade eights were lined up outside in their teams, and the leaders started to go in. Once inside, I looked back and saw the students having a cheer-off. Without any help from leaders or teachers, my team was chanting louder than any other. For me, this embodied what the whole retreat is about: turning the grade eights into strong leaders and giving them the spirit and purposefulness to succeed throughout high school. The day wound down with a charades tournament, which pushed the students to work together and take initiative.

                Wednesday felt very short, and after the closing ceremony and some free time, unfortunately, we had to leave. I looked around, and I saw many things. I saw a group of classmates who had developed from timid individuals into a unified group. I saw a massive amount of potential for these students to continue to evolve. I also saw all the student leaders, including myself, who guided the grade eights through their journey. The retreat was a unique experience for us as well. We faced very difficult tasks, and by overcoming them, we all bonded as a group and grew as individuals.  Just like how the grade eights didn’t know each other very well, I had never met some of the leaders I was working with. The chance to rely on one another so greatly and support each other to such an extent provided us with a challenge that shaped us and changed us in the same way it did the grade eights. 

From a leader’s eyes, the retreat was a great success. In three days, we created a group of young students who are now ready to be Burnett’s future leaders, as well as a smaller group of older students who developed their skills further and challenged themselves while challenging others. The theme of the retreat, “believe,” was found throughout the whole week. It was found in the leaders, the students and in the teachers. Interestingly enough, I also found myself in disbelief over how much the retreat had changed everyone. (Ian Sapollnik)
 

 The grade eight retreat was a great experience for me. I was able to grow as a leader and was able to learn from any mistakes that had been made and turn it into something positive. Being a leader at the camp was so much fun. I was able to talk to the grade eights and learn about them and what they thought about high school. Some even asked me how high school was for me and I told them about the great events that happen in the school. Since the retreat, I’ve had a bunch of the grade eight students come up to me and tell me that when they get into grade twelve that they want to be a leader, too. I think that was the best thing I heard the whole time, because I feel like somehow I got the kids involved or the desire to be involved in the school some how. (Amanda Odorico) 

 

Special thanks to the staff of Camp Stillwood and the school staff who gave up time with their families to help supervise the students.  Thanks also to the Leadership students, Ian and Amanda included, for their energy and enthusiasm.  It looked like you enjoyed yourselves and learned just as much as the Grade 8 students did.  A special word of thanks to the teachers who worked so hard behind the scenes and before the trip began, getting things organized and ready.  Ms. Meralli, Ms. Davis, Ms. Cain and Mr. Blair, your efforts are truly appreciated.

 

Congratulations to the Grade 8's for a hugely successful trip, and we look forward to you developing even more close-knit relationships with your peers.  We encourage you to continue being involved and making memories as you become the Grads of 2017.

 



Welcome Back!!!

The Labour Day long weekend is upon us once again and students, teachers and parents prepare to begin another year of school.  This is an extraordinarily exciting time for students, something of a relief for parents and an anxious and invigorating time for teachers.  This year will be like most others, as students reconnect with friends, talk about their summer adventures, and excitedly look at their timetables to see who is in their classes and who their teachers are.

 

I am very much looking forward to the upcoming school year, and am hopeful that much of the labour unrest that impacted last year is behind us.  I watched a great deal of Olympics coverage this past summer and was inspired by the efforts of Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps, Oscar Pistorius and of course, Christine Sinclair and the Canadian National Women's Soccer team.  At Burnett, our mission this year will be to help you "Find your Greatness".

 

 

I also love a good Sesame Street "Back to School" video to get me ready and The Count was always my favourite character.  I look forward to seeing each of you at school and hope we can bring out the same enthusiasm the Count has in this video (though I know the classes will be much larger than 10).  The excitement of a new year and the opportunity to meet and connect with so many people truly is the best part of school.  Enjoy it and take full advantage by getting involved in everything the school has to offer.

 

So, from all the staff at Burnett Secondary School, we want to wish a bright "Welcome" to our new students, and a hearty "Welcome back" to all those returning for another year at our great school.

 

Have a fantastic year!!!

Commencement Address

This past Thursday, J.N. Burnett Secondary School had its Commencement ceremony to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of the Graduation class of 2012.  It was indeed a spectacular evening, highlighted by the stunning accomplishments of this incredible group of young adults, the moving musical tribute performed by graduate Anna Toth, and the Valedictorian address by Justin Wang.

I, too, had the opportunity to address this special group of individuals, and am pleased to share it below.

Good evening distinguished members of the platform party, staff, family and friends. To J.N. Burnett Secondary’s graduating class of 2012 we say “Congratulations.”  It is an honour to be addressing such an outstanding group of young people.

To begin, I must acknowledge that it has been a difficult year for education in British Columbia.  However, what has become evident during these trying times is how fortunate we are at Burnett to be working with such a caring staff and exceptional student body. I can honestly say that the staff and students of Burnett have faced the many challenges with amazing consideration for each other and with the resolve to persevere. You, the graduating class, have shown yourselves to be wondrously talented and courageously determined.  You have risen above the obstacles before you and prepared yourselves admirably. 

It has truly been a privilege to work with you and to watch you grow these last 5 years.  And yes, many of you are snickering, thinking that I have had a bird’s eye view of you. It’s true...I do (some of you think I can see everything).  But, from my perch, the qualities you have demonstrated are the ones that I, and others, have seen and commended.

You have ideas for how your life will unfold, and those plans may change hundreds of times over your remaining years.  Yet, as I look around this auditorium, I cannot help but notice the pride shining from the faces of those people in your lives who are so invested in your present and future decisions.  This certainly includes your teachers and me, but even more so, your parents and family. 

As a father myself, I now view life events through the lens of parenthood. So you will understand that when I recently read an article entitled “10 Things You Won’t Hear at Your Commencement Ceremony” I was especially drawn to Number seven on this list that I actually do want you to hear.  The author, Charles Wheelan, writes: “Your parents and other adults in your life who care about you don’t want what’s best for you. They want what is good for you, which isn’t always the same thing. There is a natural instinct to protect our children from risk and discomfort, and therefore to urge safe choices.”

Allow me to share a story from my own life to illustrate.  Many of you have perhaps noticed the scars on my neck and wondered how I got them. Well, when I was nine-years-old, my dad took my sister and I out for a bike ride. That November day, I lost control of my bike and fell out into the road; I was struck by a car.  It was very traumatic and I was seriously injured and hospitalized for a long time. 

Naturally, since then, my parents have always been very uneasy when I get on a bike. Just two weeks ago, when I participated in the Ride to Conquer Cancer, a bike ride from Vancouver to Seattle, it would be an understatement to say that my parents would have much preferred that I not go.  Understandably, they wanted what was good for me -- staying safe. It was difficult for my folks to contemplate what was best for me, which was getting back on my bike, training and being healthy, and meaningfully remembering a friend who had lost his battle with cancer. 

Mr. Wheelan continued, ‘Theodore Roosevelt—American soldier, explorer, president—once remarked, "It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed." Great quote, but I am willing to bet that Teddy's mother wanted him to be a doctor or a lawyer’ because this is what parents and the adults who care about you desire—your protection, safety and security.  Sometimes we need to be pushed or to push ourselves; we need to risk failure. Then we learn; and we become stronger and wiser. 

So what is the purpose of me telling you about my experiences and the article by Mr. Wheelan?  It is not to indict the adults in your lives (your parents and teachers) for wanting what is good for you instead of what is best for you.  Nor am I recommending that you be reckless.  I am encouraging you to find yourselves and your passions, push yourselves toward greatness and not to be afraid or quit if and when you encounter failures.  Remember, life is not about who makes the fewest mistakes.  It is about how you respond to those challenges.

As I close, it is fitting to note the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires courage….  To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” 

Grads of 2012, we know that you have been equipping yourselves to face the many challenges and the endless possibilities available to you.  We want to wish you the very best. Thank you for your significant contributions to the school and the community and we congratulate you for reaching this important milestone in your lives.  Know that we are all extremely proud of you.

Now go out there, live with courage and make a positive difference in the world, because, to quote many of you over the last several months… “YOLO”.  I will let you explain that term to your parents. 

 

Thank you and Congratulations!

PS-thank you to the editor of the above notes (you know who you are!).  Also a big thank you to the people who worked so hard behind the scenes to pull off the event, and to the grad class who made the efforts so worthwhile!  Enjoy a relaxing and fun-filled summer and best wishes for your future!

Another Epic Journey

Last weekend, as a welcomed respite from the hectic schedules many of us have been keeping as another school year comes to a close, several friends, colleagues and I took part in the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer in support of the BC Cancer Foundation.

This year (the fifth edition of the event) was a record-setter in more ways than one.  3,011 riders plus countless volunteers raised over 11.2 million dollars and set out to cover the 242 kilometers between Cloverdale's Fraser Downs Park and Redmond's Marymoor Park.  Team Bodin, the team founded in memory of our good friend Lorne Bodin, was comprised of 14 members (riders and volunteer crew), and raised $26,562. 

Many of us rode last year, and were so inspired by the experience, decided to do it again.  After the cold and wet of 2011, most of us were certain that the weather could only be better this time around.  We were wrong.  While slightly warmer, Saturday had significantly more rain this year, and while it did not impact the ride (because once you are wet, you are wet!!), the campsite in Mount Vernon was a challenge.  We arrived after pedalling through adverse conditions, only to see the weather worsen in the tent-city that had been set up for us.  The baseball field we were inhabiting eventually turned into a mud-pit.  With thousands of people huddled under shelter and lining up to get food and use the bathrooms, it was impossible to stay dry or get clean.  But none of the inconveniences brought on by the weather could dampen the enthusiasm of the group as we all sat together, shared stories and listened to inspiring speakers.

Sunday was much more dry, and the pleasant riding conditions made day two very enjoyable.  After journeying through the beautiful farm and parklands of Western Washington, we rolled into our destination of Redmond around 2:00 PM, cheered in by enthusiastic supporters and family.  Emotions ran high as we all thought of who we were honouring and what we were trying to do.  

It truly was an epic journey, one that has created memories for me that will last a lifetime.  Thanks to every one of the team members for sharing the experience with me, and to all of the donors and contributors whose generosity allowed it to happen, and whose donations are making a difference.  Let's keep up the good fight!

PAC Legacy Scholarship Presentations

The past two and a half months have been hectic and as a result I have not been able to give much attention to this blog.  As a new Principal, I have been working, for the first time, through complicated and sensitive issues surrounding staffing (downsizing and layoffs, plus posting and hiring), timetable issues, Commencement planning and speeches plus all of the regular end-of-year stressors (which this year have been further complicated by the continued labour unrest between the BCTF and the Provincial Government).  To say the learning curve has been steep would be a massive understatement.  At times I have felt overwhelmed and have questioned my abilities and decisions.  I suppose, however, that the second-guessing and constant analyzing and thinking is a positive part of the reflective process that goes with learning new things and challenging oneself.

Despite the long hours and restless nights, I have continued to enjoy what I do and the people with whom I work and learn.  One such event that reaffirmed my love of this job was held this past Wednesday evening.  Our Parent Advisory Council (PAC) held its annual PAC Legacy Scholarship Presentations for any Grade 12 students who wished to share with parents their Graduation Transitions documents.  The evening was attended by eleven parents (volunteers from PAC and anyone else who was interested), and 20 students.  The library was set up so that parents could rotate around tables and have brief question and answer sessions with students who were presenting  reflections upon their years in school.  The six most interesting and engaging presentations (as decided upon by the parent group) were chosen as recipients of a $500 PAC Legacy Scholarship.  Though I was not evaluating the presentations, I did have the opportunity to observe and have informal conversations with many of the students and parents.

I was thoroughly impressed.  There were students who were preparing to go to school next year in faraway places like the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell and University of Hong Kong.  There were aspiring Doctors and Scientists plus several Artists, Fashion Designers and future Youth Counsellors.  Among the most inspiring were the stories of students who have overcome feelings of isolation when they arrived in Canada understanding very little English.  There was also a student who demonstrated and talked about his love of the VEX Robotics extra-curricular program that he was a founder and leader of.  There were students who talked about the changes they had gone through on their journey towards adulthood, including one who had fallen in with a group of friends early in his school life that led to some poor decision-making.  His family intervened and set him up with Richmond's Integrated Youth Services Society, a charity founded by Esther Ho which looks to  support new immigrant children by introducing them to causes like the Personal Growth Youth Pilgrammage to Yunnan, China.  The student has now been overseas and is actively involved in fundraising to help bring a high-school education to students in rural China.  Talk about a life-changing experience!  Others talked about how much they had grown from their experiences in Leadership classes and when they were given opportunities to be role models for younger students in events like our Grade 8 Retreat.  

In each of the conversations I had with students, I asked them after their presentation was over what was one memory of school that they would recall 15-20 years from now.  In each case, the answer was "the people".  I also asked what they were most proud of from their time in school.  In most cases the response was "I surprised myself by how much I overcame and improved".  I was pleased to hear that the students will remember the relationships formed in these years and was reminded of the article written by Charles Wheelan that is getting a great amount of attention in the Twitter world now.  The article is a tongue-in-cheek commentary on Graduation speeches.  Titled "Ten Things Your Commencement Speaker Won't Tell You", item number seven rings true for me and I thought of it frequently when speaking with our Graduates.  It refers to how the "Adults in your life don't want what is BEST for you, they want what is GOOD for you".  Too often, our children and students are protected from failure and risk by the adults in their lives.  We do this with the best of intentions, but if we push them a little, and allow them to fail and learn from their mistakes, they will surprise themselves and us with what they can accomplish.  The presentations from Wednesday night confirmed that if we allow them, our students can and will go above and beyond, even if their first attempt may not have ended with a positive result. 

What a fantastic evening it was!  Thank you to the parents who invited me to attend, and especially to the students who once again inspired and reinvigorated me with their stories, aspirations and reflections upon their time with us.  As an entire group, you will be fondly remembered.  Best of luck in your future endeavours.  These last few weeks will be a blur for you.  Study hard but slow down and enjoy the moment.  The memories and relationships you will take from here will last a lifetime.