Some of the best lessons we learn are those we have embedded from our moms (and from generations of moms before them!) For example, “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”
I mentioned in a previous blog that we believe in the absolute benefit of extracurricular activities - to the extent that we even send kids outside for recess when it’s raining!
Read MoreSince the Ontario Government announced its intention to increase average class sizes there has been considerable debate. Much of this debate revolved around the impact on teacher workload and it has created considerable unrest throughout the public education system.
We think of this issue differently at Walden and in this post I’m going to separate the dialogue from the politics.
Read MoreAs we approach this season of celebration, family and reflection I’ve been looking back over the past year with curiosity. On the one hand it has been a whirlwind. When we purchased Glenburnie School we knew that we were acquiring a school with a well-earned reputation and a place of honour in the Oakville community.
At the same time we recognized that change can be uncomfortable for everyone involved. In particular, we knew that our parent community would expect reassurance that their children would be accorded the same level of care they had been accustomed to.
Read MoreChildren are naturally inclined to practice the habits associated with well-being. Often it is the intervention of adults that generates difficulty. That’s why we’re so very conscious of modelling these behaviours and introducing elements of the curriculum that help our students maintain their equilibrium.
Making clear and direct links between being well and doing well are just part of how we approach our mission to make good people.
Read MoreDo you ever feel that it is sometimes challenging to gain a real perspective on important issues? I was remarking the other day how challenging it can be to sort the wheat from the chaff in the bombardment of messaging we receive on a daily basis.
A fact is something that is true everywhere and for everyone. However, something that is true for one person may not be true for everyone. It’s an increasingly complex issue for adults and just imagine how perplexing it can be for children.
Read MoreWhat a summer we’ve experienced at Walden International. In so many ways we have transformed the environment to which our students will return.
There is fresh paint on the walls. New classrooms and offices have been created. And, our school has been rejuvenated to welcome back students eager to experience all that a forward-looking school offers.
Read MoreThis is a quandary we face at our school almost every day and it’s something parents want to talk about often; how does Walden help prepare children for the rough and tumble real world?
It may surprise you to learn that we embrace adversity recognizing that into every life a little rain will fall.
Read MoreLast week I had a bit of an opportunity to gain some space (don’t know if you noticed but the children have left the school!) and think a little bit about Henry David Thoreau from whose book our name Walden derives.
It seems forever that his simple approach to the complexities of life resonated powerfully with me. In this instance one quote stood out.
Read MoreThe school year is almost over! Soon your kids will be flying out of the doors at Walden and joyfully announcing their arrival home…for the entire summer.
What happens now? What are you going to do with your kids for the holidays? Where will you go? How do you keep your kids’ minds active for the next many weeks? What’s the best way to answer “I’m bored. There’s nothing to do.”
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