I received an interesting email from a teaching colleague today, commenting on my letter to the editor. A quick search of the Vancouver Sun web site found this letter, dated April 28th. The letter was written by Doug Beveridge of North Vancouver. The name and location fit, but I have to say, “I didn’t do it.”

I did not know that there was more than one Doug Beveridge living in North Vancouver. I would guess that he probably thinks he is the only Doug Beveridge living here as well. Now we know that there are at least two of us, or at least I know. He may have never heard of me.

I read his (Doug’s) letter, and I must confess, I know very little about the topic on which he writes. I do not read the Vancouver Sun on a regular basis, and if I do read it, it is through the mobile app on my cell phone. I have very limited knowledge about the Enbridge pipeline, and certainly not enough to comment on it. If you have any questions about this topic, I think you have to find the other Doug Beveridge. I can’t help you.

Once upon a time I was a news junkie. I read 2 papers a day, 6 days a week. Now, I check my phone every few days for news via a few apps. It seems to me that there are far too many news stories happening to keep up with, so I just glance at headlines and read those articles that seem of interest to me. I also use Twitter to follow some news stories. I may not be the most well informed Canadian, but I don’t mind. I get by.

I did a quick Google search for Doug Beveridge. LinkedIn shows 3 in Canada, but they are all in the East. There is a Doug Beveridge in the UK. My blog showed up on the first page of the Google search, as well as my Twitter account. There is a Doug Beveridge Jr. on Facebook, and 3 others who share our name appear there as well (not me – no Facebook for me). There’s a Doug Beveridge in Atlanta, and a Doug Beveridge appears on the Fred Myers & The Redneck Majority web site.

Apparently, there are a lot of us out there.

Well, this Doug Beveridge will sign off now, and go to a family dinner.

Take care.

Today was another “active” day on the playground for many children.

Every once in a while, the staff notice an interesting series of playground behaviour phenomena that we are convinced has something to do with the cycles of the moon. We usually express our opinions about how children are interacting on those days with, “Is it a full moon?” (It’s not. I checked. Next full moon on May 6).

On these most active days, one of the most effective things I can do as a Principal is to be present. I need to be around those places where the most active and energetic groups are, and by being present, help encourage a little calmness amongst all the recess excitement.

Today we had tears over taken food (crackers and a cookie).

Today we had some small fights (“I didn’t hit him hard.”).

Today we had hat wearing in class after being asked to remove the hat (The student thought we went away – You can pick it up at the end of the day.).

Tire swings were full of action, with feet flying and children being knocked down. Some grade 7 boys had too much energy for our own good on the swing set, so I spent some time observing them (and they kept an eye on me too). The flying fox was going along fine, until a group of children decided that they too wanted a turn, but did not want to wait. One boy decided to play percussion with the playground structure using a large stick. (Impressive sounds, but we discourage repeated blows to our playground.) One boy used a friend as a chair, and seemed perplexed that his friend was upset.

We can always tell how active our students are when the supervision staff start asking for time checks. I will often hear the time check question around 12:45 pm (10 minutes left). Playground supervisors in schools all over North America can attest that the last 10 minutes of lunch break seem to be the slowest.

Today, I was out there supervising, and I started looking at my watch at 12:30 pm. Not a good sign.

We made it through. We dried some tears. Some students made some apologies. Some cleaned up some litter. One student forgot to come pick up the hat. (It will be here tomorrow.)

Tomorrow is another day. I will be present.

Take care.

I picked up the Vancouver Sun today in my local coffee shop, and I read three articles related to teachers and public schools.

The issues mentioned in the articles (extra-curricular activities & repot cards) are certain to be key topics of discussions over the next few days.

I have been asked recently what impact these issues will have on Cleveland. While I have some thoughts and ideas about what comes next, the most honest answer right now is, “I don’t know.”

At this time, I have to wait to hear from my school board. Then I have to consult with Carla Orr (my Vice-Principal) and review what some options are. I also have to meet with teachers (their union reps) to hear what they are planning, and then meet with our Cleveland PAC executive.

To students (including student council) – I am sorry that you may be feeling uncertain about what comes next. Can the talent show happen? I don’t know. Can clubs continue? I don’t know. When I do know, I will let you know.

To Parents – please be patient. As soon as I can, I will send information home. I hope you have kept in touch with teachers all year long, and once we have clarity on the LRB ruling about report cards, we will share the plan with you.

To parents of grade 7 parents – please don’t be anxious. Grade 7 issues are part of our discussions.

To staff – I ask that you also be patient. I know for teachers and support staff these are confusing times, but time passes quickly,and things will get better.

To everyone – please remember that one of the beautiful things about schools is how people develop and maintain positive relationships. Student make friends and connect to caring adults. Parents make friendships with other parents (often thanks to who their kids play with). Staff connect with one another and also develop friendships.

Schools create memories, and it is up to us to help one another stay connected to the positive experiences. We can acknowledge those negative feelings that people have about the current political issues, but please do not let those feelings harm our relationships.

Have a good weekend, and enjoy some time outside.

Take care.