Sometimes I think that “Ask Mr. Beveridge” is the default setting with people around here. I’m not complaining, just making an observation. I love being approachable, and having students feel comfortable asking for help.

Today I was asked about the school talent show. I have been asked about this student initiative many times over the past few school days, and my answer is usually “I don’t know.” Information was announced on the public address system today, so students should be able to tell me what is going on. I will ask tomorrow.

I was also asked where there might be any boxes. Sorry, “I don’t know.” The students were successful in finding one, but they did it without my help. I don’t know where they found it.

“Mr. Beveridge, do you know where my class is?” – “I don’t know, but let’s go look.”

“Mr. Beveridge, do you know where my friends are?” – “I don’t know. Perhaps you could look outside as it is recess right now.”

I used to think that “I don’t know” was not a good answer. Once upon a time, I felt that I should know everything. Thankfully, I no longer believe that. Not knowing is a great way to help our students. Sometimes the best help I can give them is is not helping, and letting them help themselves.

Take care.

Some days I spend very little time in my office. I like to visit the 20 classes and see the learning that is going on. I like to sit down with students and work with them on math, or have them share with me about their school work.

My goal was to spend more time in my office today. I had a couple of parent meetings in the morning, and then I was going to work on the school plan or work through my ‘”todo” list. I was able to get through many things this morning, but the afternoon looked a bit different. My office was taken over by grade 7’s. So I went for a walkabout.

When you see grade 7 students in the Principal’s office, you might assume that they may have committed some form of offense. I have had students sent to my office for hitting, swearing, missing school, disrupting class, stealing,… The list goes on, and I won’t mention all the reasons.

These grade 7’s, however, were in my office for very different reasons. Our grade 7 students are doing a number different leadership projects. We have bloggers, grade 7 yearbook committee members, a year end slide show team, the talent show group, and students who are helping out with different school events.

The grade 7 yearbook committee needed a place to work on editing all the pictures that have been taken of our grade 7 throughout the year. Their teacher and parent sponsor of the committee needed a bit of help, so the committee has been spending some time in my office going through the photos. There are 11 committee members, so they are taking turns. At one point this week, every committee  member has worked in here. They come in groups of 2’s or 3’s, and seem to be enjoying their work.

While one of the groups on the yearbook committee was working, two more students were working in my office writing up an announcement for the school website (Father Daughter Dance – coming soon). With all these students in my office, there was no room for me, 🙁 so I left. I went and found children doing math. 🙂 I love math, but, as they were doing a test, I don’t think they were loving it right then. Even though they were doing a test, I still helped a little – shhh. Don’t tell their teacher.

Back in my office, they finished the school web site announcement (and checked with me before saving it online), and went back to class. A new group of yearbook students came in and took over the committee’s laptop.

Some of the groups are a bit louder than others. They laugh at the pictures, or discover that the photo albums include videos. These videos can lead to a few giggles.

Some times they whisper to each other.

“What was that,” I ask.

“Nothing,” they reply.

I am able to get some work done when they are in here. They respond well to redirection (if needed) and are quite keen to work on this project. I am looking forward to the finished product.

There have been at least 17 students who have worked in my office this week, and it’s only Tuesday. Being in the Principal’s office is not always a bad thing.

Take care.

Today we came back to school after a two week Spring Break. I’m not sure about the rest of you, but I sure needed that vacation. I spent my time reading, sleeping in, and cutting firewood on Denman Island. I’m ready for term 3 now.

We welcomed 4 new students to Cleveland today, and we have another new student coming on Thursday. If your child is in one of the following divisions – E02, E05, F09 or F12 – ask him/her about the new student in their room. Our students do an excellent job making new students feel welcome. Thank you students, and thank you PAC (and Mel) for making their families feel welcomed as well.

It was wonderful to see so many parents in the school signing up for the parent/teacher interviews. If you are interested in signing up for an interview slot, come in soon, or contact your child’s teacher directly.

Our French Immersion students (and those who take French in grades 5, 6 and 7) were invited to the gym for a presentation from Théâtre La Siezième. The gym was filled, and everyone seemed to have a good time. Ask you children about it.

We also continued with gymnastics. Both gyms have gymnastics equipment set up, and the two Gym Sense instructors are doing an excellent job.

Take care.