Every parent has heard their child say, “There’s nothing to do!” especially during breaks from school. With Spring Break coming up, it’s a good time to think about this common complaint.
At first, it sounds like a simple expression of boredom. But as parents, we might feel guilty, frustrated, or even annoyed. Sometimes, if we’re in a good mood, we might respond with energy—at least the first couple of times!
The problem is that we often react instead of respond, which usually doesn’t help either of us.
As the Head of School, I often reflect on what truly defines a successful educational experience. Recently, in a conversation with our Coordinators, we discussed an essential aspect of our philosophy here at Walden: while achieving high grades is important, it is the learning journey that holds the deepest value. This journey is where students discover not only academic knowledge but also personal growth and understanding.
At Walden, we believe that education is more than just the final grade on an assignment. It is about the process—the steps and experiences that lead to that grade. This process is filled with opportunities for our students to engage deeply with their learning. It is during this time that they encounter challenges, make mistakes, and experience the joy of discovery. These moments are crucial because they help shape resilient and curious learners.
As we step into a brand new year, we are reminded of the words of the English author and humorist, Terry Pratchett, who once said, “In the beginning there was nothing, which exploded.” This quote might seem a bit quirky, but it invites us to think about new beginnings and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for our children.
Every year brings fresh opportunities for growth and learning, and as parents, we play a crucial role in shaping our children’s educational journeys. We have dreams and aspirations for them, but the truth is, we cannot predict exactly how their futures will unfold. This uncertainty is what makes our commitment to their education so essential. It is our responsibility to provide them with an environment that encourages exploration, curiosity, and personal development.
As the year draws to a close, many of us find ourselves swept up in the excitement of the holiday season. The lights twinkle, the air fills with the scent of festive treats, and laughter echoes through gatherings with friends and family. Yet, amid the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Do we take the time to pause and reflect on the year that has passed? Do we savour the beauty of the present moment?
Year-end reflection is a valuable practice. It allows us to look back on our experiences, both the highs and the lows, and to understand how they have shaped us. When we reflect, we consider our achievements, the lessons we've learned, and the relationships we've built. This reflection can be as simple as jotting down thoughts in a journal or discussing memories with loved ones. It’s an opportunity to appreciate how far we've come and to set intentions for the year ahead.
At Walden, we are dedicated to creating a space where everyone feels safe, respected, and heard. It’s a place where students can discover their voice and learn to advocate for those who may not have one. We encourage everyone to use their voice regularly to support others in our community, especially during tough times.
I’m taking the opportunity to address recent world events that have left many of us feeling shocked and genuinely concerned. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by devastating news, but we must remember that these challenges can be a catalyst for change. They can inspire us to be resilient, even when the going gets tough.
“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” ― Aristotle, Metaphysics
Since I first put pen to paper for the last three posts my objective was to arrive at a destination with one clear thought.
As it turns out, and with an emphatic nod to Aristotle, the landing place is an invitation to our readers revolving around open minds and open doors.
This invitation has a dual purpose. The first purpose relates to open doors and enlisting your support in sharing the story of our school. On November 2, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., we will host an Open House when we will offer tours and meet the teacher sessions. We have wonderful allies in our mission to make good people and you are foremost among them.
This time of year brings fresh opportunities and new beginnings, and we can’t wait to share some wonderful updates with you, especially about our growing team.
In our previous July and August posts, we discussed two important ideas: the need to teach our children how to seek the truth and the value of encouraging thoughtful conversations instead of quick judgments. These goals are essential, and they challenge us to create a supportive environment where learning thrives.
In last month’s post, I wrote about Walden’s commitment to instilling students with a commitment to self-honesty and intellectual integrity. I suggested, “Whatwe can do…is help guide students in the relentless pursuit of truth. And that’s where this gets sticky in today’s often hyper-polarized environment.” That’s what I explore in this post.
During my time in Washington, D.C., I had an opportunity to discuss and consider the issue of ‘cancel culture’ in what may be the hotbed of the phenomenon. As with any controversy, it helps to start with a common understanding of what the term means. Cancel culture, defined as the practice of mass cancelling to express disapproval and exert social pressure, has become a contentious issue in recent years.
I have a confession to make. I’m late posting this. No, the dog didn’t eat my homework nor did I simply forget.
I wanted to await the conclusion of my learning experience at the International Baccalaureate Global Conference in Washington, D.C.
Being in D.C. for a few days during the last week of July was remarkable. The conference itself was inspiring and meeting colleagues from across the globe was energizing. Doing so in the Washington environment during tumultuous political times was also eye-opening.
Our school has a well-deserved reputation for providing a well-rounded approach to educating kids from Kindergarten to Grade 8. From our thorough approach to appropriately challenging academics to a deep commitment to each student's well-being, Walden is a community dedicated to making good people. As such, we’re constantly attuned to societal changes and educational initiatives.
For quite some time, we’ve had our ears pricked on the subject of Artificial Intelligence. Especially during the last several months, it’s been almost impossible not to come across a library full of points of view and opinions from profound enthusiasm to doomsday skepticism. As always, the truth lies between these two spectrum ends.
