Head of School
From the
2 | Ashbury News
W
hat a remarkable year—nous avons connu une année exceptionnelle. Rarely has a school seen quite so much change as we did in 2020. And yet, throughout the shifts to distance learning, the modifications to long-established events and the adaptations to distancing and mask wearing, Ashburians were resilient. I am so proud of the way our students, faculty and families adapted to such historic shifts in the way we learn, engage and care for one another. Now, several months into what has become our new normal, we pause to take a look back at a year marked by elements which strengthened our mission, values and strategic direction, and by three notable C’s. • First, a commitment to anti-racism, pluralism and diversity. We have seen important dialogues and discussions happening within our community around these issues and we want to keep the conversations going. These are themes and areas of focus we will carry with us into the future. We want everyone at Ashbury to feel safe and welcome and will not tolerate any form of discrimination. • Second, our Centre for Science & Innovation finally opened its doors after a three-year campaign raised $7 million to build this stunning new addition to our campus. Having all of our Senior School sciences under one roof allows for more cross- collaboration between faculty and students, all of whom are enjoying the spacious, light-filled classrooms and university-calibre labs. • Third, and perhaps most critical, COVID. The pandemic initially saw the cancellation of school trips early in the year, followed by a full closure of campus and the swift shift to a new distance-learning model. Our faculty and students showed exceptional flexibility as they replaced in-person exchanges with engagement via screens in different time zones across the world. Our Ashbury community pivoted almost effortlessly to a new reality in what have been trying and uncertain times.
Since September, most students have been back on campus, benefitting from in-person learning and interaction, and distance learners, located in Ottawa and internationally, remain engaged overall. Extended learning happens incrementally outside the classroom with clubs and outdoor sporting activities, and the more we can remain safely active outdoors the better. We will continue to take advantage of our campus and adjoining green spaces (which tend to become snow-covered at this time of the year; luckily Ashburians are of hearty stock!). We continue to heed public health advice as student wellness is at the forefront of our concerns. Our wish for all is to be safe and well, carried forward by the Ashbury spirit to care for others.
Probitas, Virtus, Comitas, Norman Southward Head of School–Directeur