November 2016

St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic High School Vision

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In October 2016, I shared the first part of the school vision, the“We and not I philosophy”. Through the “We and Not I” philosophy we foster engagement and collaboration with the desired outcome of empowering everyone. It is important to note that this philosophy is an integral part of our school vision and lays the foundation for the creation of a S.A.F.E. zone. During the month of November, we will reflect on the letter “S” in the S.A.F.E. zone portion of the school’s vision.

As the Catholic Principal’s Connection , Principal’s Connection Document has eloquently stated, “collaboration acknowledges different viewpoints, respects diversity and encourages contributions while fostering a greater understanding of the common purpose and core values,” p.(4). As the principal of the school, it is my desire to ensure that this type of environment is created at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic High School (SMK) during my tenure. I would like to emphasize that the school is safe, but we have to ensure that everything that we do leads to success, accountability, forgiveness, engagement and excellence. With this in mind, we have to create an environment that fosters a spirit of collaboration.

At St. Maximilian Kolbe we will continue to create a S.A.F.E. learning environment that is learning-centred. Every member of our community is a learner. They will be challenged to find new learning with every encounter they have. Mistakes and failures will be accepted and seen as opportunities for learning. The main expectation for every member of the SMK community will be to create a S.A.F.E. ZONE in their space. The word S.A.F.E. is an acronym:

SAFE

S- SUCCESS for all students and staff

A- ACCOUNTABILITY for all students and staff

F- FORGIVENESS for all students and staff

E- ENGAGEMENT and EXCELLENCE from all students and staff

SUCCESS

The letter “S” in S.A.F.E. zones stands for success for all students and staff. As has been said before, nothing beats success like success. As a school we will ensure that we create an environment that promotes success. Success for each individual will vary, but high standards will be expected from each and every one of us. I believe that when teachers, EAs, EIs, CYWs, custodians, secretaries, administrators and all support staff feel successful, they will work hard to ensure that students are successful.

As the school’s leader, it is imperative that I create an environment where the adults in the school are successful. I have to set the tone that allows all adults in the building to be collaborative, creative and innovative.

When conditions that promote creativity and success prevail, I believe that the adults in the school will transfer the same into their own spaces. Drapeau states that “the teacher knows that a sense of community is essential in the creative classroom” (2015). My goal as the leader of the school is to continue to foster the “We and Not I Philosophy”. When students value each other they will work collaboratively and this results in deep creativity. Students are always creative when the right environment is created for them. Studies have shown that successful students always work hard and want to perform at their best. The admin team will endeavour to create an atmosphere where both staff and students feel successful.

We will identify areas of growth and create opportunities for learning. Data will not only help us target areas for growth, but it will be the guiding principle when we celebrate our successes. We will identify areas of strength, celebrate them and build from them. Through the use of data, we will reflect, create and accept the fact that we are life-long learners. We will put faces to the data especially in the areas of growth. Students will not be numbers as there will be a deliberate and systematic approach to supporting students who are not achieving success.

All staff will be provided with the tools they need to ensure that they create an effective environment for learning. Opportunities for professional development will be provided during and after school hours, and technology will be provided to all who embrace it. Each teacher in the school will be equipped with a Chrome Book and or iPad to use to meet the educational needs of their students and for their professional growth. As I write this post, we have 71 teachers who have a school Chrome Book, iPad or laptop at their disposal to participate in the learning process.

One of my goals is to move from hard copy textbooks to ebooks for the 2018-2019 school year. To that end, twelve teachers from a variety of departments will pilot the use of e-books beginning in semester 2 of this school year, and . five departments will be equipped with class sets of Chrome Books to be utilized with the e-book program.

To ensure that all of our students have access to digital technology and WIFI outside of school hours, I am planning to create a café style WIFI access point in the Commons area of our school where our students can work. I have also been working with our local librarians to learn about supports available at our public libraries.I met with all librarians in the area, (Newmarket, Stouffville, King City and Aurora) and we shared the resources that are available to the community and students who attend St. Maximilian Kolbe CHS. The meeting was a great success. Finally, I am aware of the many hours that our staff put in to support students after school. Thank you for supporting our students. It does take a village to raise each of the children that we support. We are that village for them.success for all