Hi! I'm Mrs. McKinnon.

       I believe that all classrooms should be safe, caring communities wherein children are free to speak their minds confidently, to explore new ideas and to develop growth mindsets.  I strive to bring an open mind, a positive attitude, and high expectations to the classroom each day. 

      I believe that I owe it to my students and their families, to bring consistency, diligence, and warmth to my job, in the hope that I can ultimately inspire and encourage similar traits in others. Whether you are new to our school or just new to my class, here are a few things you might want to know about me:

You can reach me anytime at mckinnc@rainbowschools.ca or call 705-898-2785.

I'm very TECHY. I enjoy the shared learning that takes place online.

I was a teacher for the Rainbow Elementary Virtual School for 2020/2021.

I believe EVERYONE can learn.

I LEARN from my students as much as they learn from me.

I have an Honours B.A. in Cultural Anthropology, a B.A. in English Literature and Rhetoric, 

and a B.Ed from Schulich School of Education at Nipissing University.

I have taken Special Education part 1 to enhance my qualifications.

I am a published author of both non-fiction and poetry. 

I am married and a mother of four children. We have several pets.

Most importantly, I think learning is exciting & I hope you do too!

Please remember, if you have any questions about my class, my door is always open!

Professional Learning and Leadership

-Participated in annal learning cycles, consensus marking sessions and collaborative inquiry processes focused on Reading, Writing and Math since 2006.

-Member of the Junior Literacy Study Group 2006-2008.

-Personal inquiry into the use of technology in the mathematics classroom.

-G-Suite training (G-suite contact for the school) to assist in fostering 21st century skills and global competencies in both staff and students. 

-Attended workshops on FNMI and curriculum content integration.

-Created and spearheaded the Monetville House Families program from 2009-Present.

-Served as the FNMI, ARTS, COMPUTER, HEALTH & SAFETY and DPA contacts.

-Lead the EcoSchools team in attaining first year Gold certification, and assisted colleagues with their applications  at other schools  as well. I have been an EcoSchools lead for 6 years. In 2023 we attained Platinum status!

-Math lead for Monetville P.S. 2016-2017 - assisted staff in exploring a deeper understanding of mathematics.

-ELL (English Language Learners) lead for Moentville P.S.

-Participated in a math-focused collaborative inquiry with colleagues from grades 7-10 at CVDCS. 

-Hosted an RDSB workshop titled Collaboration, Communication and Assessment in Google Classroom for 40+ colleagues.

-Writer/Contributer for the Comprehension Curriculum Resources Guide Grades 7-12 for the Rainbow District School Board.

-Grade 8 Distance Education teacher for the RDSB Virtual School in 2020/2021

-Writer and recipient of multiple grants and awards each year that pertain to our Ecoschools club.

Parent and Community Feedback

"Since my daughter has been in your classroom, anytime I have contacted you about school work or questions you have gotten back within the same day and have given a detailed response.  You are doing a great job."  ~ Kimberly. M

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I cannot express what an amazing Teacher you are! You have helped my son, who has had very trying experiences with subject matters and other teachers; to become engaged and interested in the curriculum. He speaks highly of you and I do believe that you are in fact the welcome cause of the incredible difference I have seen in my son... My son looks forward to going to school and attending your class....

My personal experience with you is that you are professional,  attentive and understanding. You provide clear communication and always respond to concerns. Your caring nature extends to both the pupil and parent, making working with you for the betterment of my son a pleasure. Your hard work is greatly appreciated. Thank you for all that you do for your students and the families you serve!"  ~ Jennifer C.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I'm very impressed with your communication and responsiveness. Any time I've had a concern about my child, you've always replied back to me with helpful information, ways we can work together to support them, and the communication has always been kind and respectful!

I think you're doing an awesome job of teaching in a way that is engaging. Seems there are always new technologies that they can try using, and new ways of doing assignments that are more creative. My son absolutely loves having you and Ms. T as teachers." ~ Kim L.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Colleen McKinnon has been a wonderful influence as a teacher for my son. She recognizes his strengths and weakness. Colleen uses my son’s strengths in the classroom to enable him to be proud of himself. He doesn't feel like the underdog among his peers anymore. He loves to go to school. Colleen trusts and encourages my son to perform at his best. When she sees that something is bothering him, she addresses it right away.

The communication between Colleen and myself is awesome. Colleen uses Google Classroom to keep me updated on his progress and the assignments that need to be complete. When my son doesn't complete his assignments she contacts me directly through email to have me encourage him to hand in his work.

Colleen coached the Boys Volleyball team this year and they excelled under her direction.

From the beginning of my sons schooling, this classroom as been 90% boys. It's a hard classroom to teach and she has managed to get this class working hard in their academics.

Having Colleen as a teacher this year, enabled my son to see that as long as he set his mind to it, he could accomplish anything. He really wanted to go to Lockerby Composite School for Grade 9 and follow in his sister’s footsteps but was afraid that with his IEP, that goal wasn't achievable. From the continued encouragement of Colleen, he was accepted into the STEP program at Lockerby. Thanks."  ~ Sharleen S