Where we started: At Kathleen McNeely, we focus on building and maintaining student engagement in learning.  We are learning, as teachers, to plan for all students in our care.  We aim to foster student ownership of learning ownership.

Previously, we focused on building and maintaining student engagement in learning through flexible learning environments and projects with authentic purposes. We focused on developing a strong sense of ownership in our students. Our focus was on our students learning to be self-aware and to increase their resilience. 

Where to next: For the past three years at Kathleen McNeely, we have been scanning and developing a new focus on what is most important for our learners. Through interviews and conversations with staff and students, we've learned that to learn effectively at school; we first need to construct an environment that meets their needs. This includes being socially and emotionally ready for school. For each of our students, this looks different. Having a caring school community to support our students to access their learning best is something we are trying to build at McNeely. 

Our question: Which programs, structures and instructional practices will deepen care, cultivate connection, build belonging and increase engagement?