Another turning point
A fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you by the wrist
Directs you where to go…
We are all connected. The bonds we form with friends, family and colleagues give us our identity, a purpose, a reason to love and a sense of belonging in this world. And yet, despite these connections, there are times we need to travel alone. Times to move forward, times to try something new and times to say goodbye. Continue reading
It’s that time of year. April 1st…a day when we play practical jokes on friends and family. For educators, it’s also about this time of year that our minds start to play tricks asking us if we are where we are meant to be. As spring arrives, districts begin to prepare for the following school year and teachers and support staff have the opportunity to ask themselves “Is it time to stay, or time to go?”. Continue reading
I have spent three of the last four weeks in Mexico. On our last day here in the sun, I realize that this is likely the first and last time (until possibly retirement) where I will have the opportunity to relax this much mid-year. For the first week, I was invited to participate in We Move Forward – an amazing Wellness Retreat for Women in Isla Mujeres where I presented on the Science of Happiness and Impact of Giving. After four days back at work I was packing again and heading to San Jose del Cabo for Spring Break with friends and family for two weeks in the sun. Continue reading
When we look forward in life we have so many questions, and yet when we look back, answers seem so clear. Perhaps you have seen the popular video clip “How to Age Gracefully” where people of all ages give advice to their younger selfs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sycgL3Qg_Ak
As a school principal, I want two things: Continue reading
We often judge people we don’t know. Without knowing their stories, we allow our stereotypes or fears to influence our judgement.
Earlier this month I had the pleasure of presenting at the Social Justice Conference in Maple Ridge. I had 90 minutes to spend with teens from Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, ranging in age from 13-18. Continue reading
Maybe I’m overly optimistic. Seventeen years in, and somehow I have not yet found the answer for surviving September. Like many parents and teachers, the start of the school year is often the time to set resolutions and goals for the year. As summer closes, each year, my well rested mind somehow knows that ‘this year will be different’. With good intention, I convince myself that THIS will be the year…. the year that I plan meals in advance, the year that I prep lunch foods on Sunday, the year that I wake up refreshed, gracefully finding a work / life balance, the year that I read more, spend more time outside Continue reading
The first day for students is still one week away, but excitement is building at Harry Hooge Elementary in Maple Ridge, BC as our teachers prepare for a new year. As a principal, I am so excited to see the changes our teachers are making as we continue working towards our two school goals: one focussed on inquiry and the other on self regulation. These two topics blend seamlessly, as we are working to create learning centred spaces where students have all the tools they need to engage in meaningful exploration. As we teach students how to respond to stress, we help them understand their own emotions and Continue reading
There are certain occupations that tug at our heart strings. We naturally associate warm feelings with kind professions such as the florist, the massage therapist, and the kindergarten teacher. We expect to like them. Contrarily, other professions seem to arouse fear or anxiety just buy stating their title: the cop, the auditor, Continue reading
I’m a big believer that kids come to school prepared to do the best they can. I don’t think anyone wakes up with the intention of having a really bad day. And yet, school days are not always seamless. As an elementary principal I often have the opportunity to meet with students in those moments right after their day has taken a turn for the worse. Perhaps they are not willing to work in class, perhaps Continue reading
Bullying and Earthquakes have a lot in common. Both can be dangerous and significantly damage lives. Both require education so we know what to do if they happen. Both make headline news, and both create a sense of fear asking us “Are we prepared?” or “What would we do?”. Continue reading
Hopeful Learning: Kristi Blakeway 