As we find ourselves getting ready for another school year, many of us are spending a lot of our energies on thinking about the strike. Will there be school on Tuesday? How long will the strike last? Why can’t they just get it together and get it done?
Some our thoughts allow some challenging emotions to arise within us; anger, sadness, frustration, helplessness, etc. I am choosing to have more positive thoughts. The strike will be over, and we will once again hear the joyful noises of children in the classrooms, in the hallway, in the boys’ washroom (especially the primary one), and on the playground. We will once again see creative and interesting learning experiences offered by teachers. Parents will once again be making school lunches, being mindful of course to food allergy issues – see the Health Information page on our web site.
Today I will spend time reflecting on some work that the North Vancouver School District has been focused on for a number of years. Through a very collaborative process, NVSD has crafted a mission statement and laid out a set of values that drive how we will conduct ourselves as we do one of the most important jobs on the planet – teaching children.
North Vancouver School District Vision Statement
We provide world-class instruction and a rich diversity of engaging programs to inspire success for every student and bring communities together to learn, share and grow.
North Vancouver Values
Achieving progress by working together…
Shared values set the tone for how we relate to one another in pursuing common goals. Our values guide us in working collaboratively to realize our Vision.
Trust – We act with integrity. We are open and honest in our communication with one another.
Responsibility – We are accountable for our actions. We support positive change, continuous improvement and the pursuit of excellence.
Respect – We relate to each other with care and appreciation. We honour diversity and recognize the exceptional in everyone.
Collaboration – We develop relationships and affiliations to achieve shared goals and consider each other in our decisions and actions.
This strike will pass. Something will happen that will allow us to get back into schools and see teaching and learning continue. We just don’t know when it will be over, or how it will be settled.
When we do some back, we (the Cleveland Elementary staff and community) will work to bring to life the mission statement of the school district.
I trust that our teachers and support staff care deeply about how the students are doing and work hard to help ensure each child achieves success. We share a collective responsibility to improve our practice and to respect the needs of our learners and community. I am looking forward to the year working with the wonderful Cleveland Elementary staff, students and parents.
When the strike is over, we will be ready to meet and greet the students, get them organized into classes for the year, and begin again the process of teaching and learning. Students will be going into new learning groups (classes), and will be re-connecting with friends and making new friends.
School will once again be warmed by the presence of students, teachers and other staff.
Think Positive
Be Patient
Don’t Panic
Take Care
