Leaders are Learners (The Glen, Spring 2024)

As educators, the promotion of lifelong learning is always at the forefront. This is true not only in our messaging to students but also for us as professionals. Remaining current with educational practices, expanding our scope of knowledge, and engaging in professional learning to challenge our norms are essential in building competencies for preparing ourselves and students in a changing world.

From April 11 to 16, members of the school leadership team, Mr. Lee, Mr. Moore, Ms. Fenili, Ms. Astrella, and Mrs. Gillespie, engaged in an academic journey that involved connecting and learning alongside colleagues at both Rundle College and West Island College in Calgary. During this time, we toured the two school campuses, explored programming opportunities, and conversed with the intention of continually providing a school environment where best practices are executed to ensure our students are confidently equipped with the skills to flourish.

Following these school visits, the team attended the CAIS National Leaders Conference in Vancouver, where the theme of the conference was “EmpowerED: Learning and Leading in a Shifting Landscape.” At the conference, opportunities were provided to engage with a wide variety of subjects, including a decolonial approach to artificial intelligence, crisis management, empowering leadership and resiliency, creating equity-centered spaces, pluralism, student advising programmes, as well as student mental health and well-being. Network sessions were also provided that focused on academics, athletics, DEI, technology, student support, risk management, as well as school divisional roles.

Returning from this enriching learning experience has reminded us of the continuous progress in schools and how our school programming, community, culture, and well-being are all interconnected when transforming the student experience. We look forward to our continued growth and sharing our learning journey with you.

Erika GillespieDirector of Teaching and Learning, Lower School and Preschool