SPOTLIGHT

Head's Message

As we look ahead to next week, our focus shifts inward as we celebrate Mental Health Week. Every month feels like a "busy time of the year" and we are taking steps to prioritize the well-being of our students and our staff. Thanks to Ms. Burkie for her leadership with this Student Council events and Nurse Heather for arranging the annual cold dip challenge (followed by a warm sauna!).

To keep spirits high and the stress low, we’re focusing on the "comfort" side of school. Next week, students are encouraged to wear casual clothing every day, and our kitchen will be serving up comfort food lunches to keep everyone nourished and happy.

Recently, I read Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation. It’s a compelling (and essential) read for any parent. Haidt draws a direct, evidence-based line between the rise of "phone-based childhoods" and the decline in youth mental health.

At SJASL, we are already implementing several of his recommendations to reclaim the "play-based childhood," including:

• Free Play: Encouraging unstructured time to build social resilience.

• Wilderness Wednesdays: Getting back to basics in the great outdoors for our Grade 4/5 class.

• Outdoor Education: Specifically for our Grade 6–7 PE blocks.

However, we can’t do it alone. We’ve received concerning reports regarding tech use, often involving secret accounts or digital platforms that parents aren't aware of. To address this, we are still coordinating a visit from the RCMP to speak directly with students, and I will share those details as soon as they are finalized.

The Main Event: The White Hatter Presentation

Tuesday, February 10 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

This is the big one. Our Parents Community Engagement Group (PCEG) has generously funded a live presentation by The White Hatter on Digital Literacy and Internet Safety for Parents. Students are welcome to attend, but the focus will be on strategies and information for parents. Click here to read about the presentation from the White Hatter website. 

Now, I’m going to use the "M" word: Mandatory. (Okay, it’s actually "highly recommended," but let’s pretend it’s mandatory for the sake of our children’s digital safety!). This session is critical for all parents, especially those with students in Grades 4–9. Please try to have at least one parent attend. You have two ways to join us:

1. In-Person: Join us in the school library to watch the live virtual presentation on the big screen. The benefit? Afterward, we’ll host an in-person discussion to talk specifically about SJASL-related habits and how we can support each other as a community. Feel free to bring a friend! Quick RSVP here so we know numbers. 

2. Online: If you can’t make it to campus, you can stream the live studio show from home.

Viewing Details:

• Link: Join the Sli.do Event Here

• Passcode: 7710

The online platform is fantastic for content and promises to be an engaging presentation, but the real magic happens when we talk to each other. By gathering in person, we can move past general advice and discuss the specific challenges we see in our hallways and your living rooms.

Let’s work together to ensure our students are as safe online as they are on our playground. I look forward to seeing a full house (or a very busy chat room) on Tuesday evening.

Josh Hart
Head of School