Evidence  

Our school has been focusing on making connections this term and building a sense of belonging. Several events have supported this work such as our welcome BBQ, Halloween Party Family Team events, to having our musical presentation by D.O (on defying the odds). Through shared and collective experiences our community is coming together.  

Staff spent time on the November 20^th Professional Development Day connecting with a member of our District Counselling Team to learn about strategies and resources to support the social and emotional learning of our students. In addition to that, we spent time considering what ‘connection’ feels, looks, and sounds like and what we need to support connection in our building.  

Moreover, we have begun offering collaboration times for staff to work together. This is in response to staff stating that they needed time and space to work with one another. This is beneficial to both staff and students in that students also get to work with other learners in the building. The learning that is happening during these times is focused on positive connections, being kind, and community.  

We also have made some small gestures to show care for the staff in our building. We’ve been working on creating a space that is welcoming for staff and to create connection. We’ve added a couch, a comfy chair, some coffee tables, a sharing library, and a community coffee pot to the staffroom. The staff room is coming to life with more people, conversation, and collaboration. We’ve even noticed some artwork and photos popping up!