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“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.

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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.

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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, “What we 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.

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Helping students navigate the path to their truth

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.

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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.

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Boredom can be a superpower in disguise.

That may surprise you. 

Imagine that you're sitting in your room, and there's nothing to do. You've scrolled through your phone a hundred times, and still, nothing catches your interest. At this point, boredom creeps in like an unwelcome guest. But what if you greeted boredom with a smile instead of sighing in frustration?

Andy Warhol once said, "You need to let the little things that would ordinarily bore you suddenly thrill you." Boredom can be the catalyst for turning ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences.

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What do we really want for our children?

The love of a family, a safe environment in which to live and learn, living with little anxiety and a genuine sense of purpose, self-confidence and courage, and healthy self-esteem. This list could go on and on.

We have so many dreams and aspirations for our kids, and we share them with our students. Above all, we hope that they become good people—individuals who comprehend that they have a role to play in improving the lot of those less fortunate, that they can influence what happens with the environment, and that we collectively make a lasting, positive impact on our own lives and those of others.

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Here’s one of my fundamental beliefs: we have a choice in how we grow up and how we help our children grow up.

Our new advertising campaign issues some strident challenges to Grow Up and Get Real! Those challenges, though bold, are supported by our knowledge that we enable our students to develop character.

“Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands.” Anne Frank

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Truth in advertising - myth or reality?

In our case, we state with confidence that it’s entirely real.

We’ll be rolling out new ads over the next little while, and the sharp-eyed among you will notice them in the Globe & Mail, Best Side & Cayman Marshall magazines, at Joshua’s Creek and 16 Mile arenas, and elsewhere.  

We proudly claim to help our students get real good at who they can be, grow up to be strong and courageous, and show how their goodness will benefit everyone.

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One of the best features of teaching is that you become enthusiastic about answering questions. We get lots of them from our students, parents, and families considering our school for their kids. Embracing curiosity is a key pillar of how we approach teaching at Walden.

A frequent question concerns why ‘international’ is part of our name and how we’re not simply a school for foreign students.

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The Christmas and holiday season ought to be a time steeped in merriment, an occasion where every ordinary moment is imbued with an extraordinary touch, transforming each instant into a memorable milestone. Regrettably, in our modern-day festivities, we frequently find ourselves ensnared by the materialistic allure of the season, fixating on the 'stuff' rather than the true essence of celebration.

At its core, this time of year is a tapestry woven with joy, compassion, and togetherness threads. It serves as an annual reminder to cherish the company of loved ones, spread kindness, and revel in life's simple pleasures. Yet, in the rush to check off lists and fulfill expectations, we often lose sight of these invaluable sentiments.

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Raising funds is often in the spotlight in the world of giving and making a difference. Nonprofits and organizations work tirelessly to gather the resources needed to support their missions and projects. While fundraising is essential, something even more potent is often overlooked: the passion for advocacy and spreading awareness.

At our school, we think of it as the "Three Ts" - Time, Talent, and Treasure. Everyone, including our youngest students, can get involved and make a positive impact.

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In the education of elementary school children, there exists a symbiotic relationship between academic rigour and life skills. These two facets of education are not isolated but intricately intertwined, working together to shape the future of young learners.

Walden’s IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP) are renowned educational frameworks aimed at advancing the academic prowess of elementary school children. These programs provide a holistic and inquiry-based approach to education that not only enhances students' academic abilities but also nurtures their personal and social development.

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Orange Shirt Day, observed annually on September 30th, holds profound significance in Canada as a day of remembrance and reflection. It commemorates the painful history of Indigenous children who were forcibly taken from their families and placed in residential schools. The orange shirt symbolizes the resilience of survivors and the ongoing journey towards reconciliation. While the day itself is a powerful reminder, it's essential to carry forward the values it represents throughout the year. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of Orange Shirt Day and discuss ways we can actively embrace its spirit throughout the entire year.

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In a rapidly evolving world, where knowledge and skills become obsolete at an alarming pace, the ability to learn and adapt is crucial for every student. Recognizing this imperative, a recently published report* by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has shed light on the significance of student agency in education. The report reinforces the core principles we uphold at Walden, emphasizing the importance of enabling students to become active participants in their learning journey.

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Last month I treated you to a short post to make a point about spending less time on digital devices. This month it’s a longer post. I thought you might have more time to spend on a summer’s day to learn more about how we make a better world with kids.

Education plays a pivotal role in shaping young minds, particularly during the formative years of Junior Kindergarten (JK) to Grade 8. It is during this critical period that children develop fundamental values, attitudes, and skills that influence their perception of the world. Educating children with a focus on creating a better world holds immense significance in fostering a compassionate, responsible, and sustainable society.

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This is a short post.

It’s short because it’s about spending less time on digital devices.

It’s written in response to a parent’s request for some insight into how to get kids off digital, into the real world and doing so without immeasurable grief.

Does this sound familiar?

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