Recently, we began to accept new registrations for the 2013-14 school-year. As this process continues to unfold I have had the pleasure of giving tours of our school. In a job that requires a variety of paper work it is with pleasure that I meet possible new students and parents to our learning community.
As I walk around the school I, and many of the students and parents, are amazed of all the great learning activities going on in the school. In touring the school and listening to the comments of the students and parents there are some common themes:
– Students feel welcomed. As students are introduced to possible next year teachers, the teachers literally throw their doors open and welcome the students. Many students are gently encouraged to come on in and explore the classrooms.
– Parents feel welcomed. Parents see the openness of staff and start to feel part of our learning community. Parents are also amazed that the classroom looks different from when they were in school. Technology is evident, but the simple structure has changed. Desks are not in rows; in fact some classrooms do not even have desks. Learning looks different as staff engage their learners and it is definitely not the traditional sit and get.
– Students and parents see community. Many students and parents are surprised how friendly the students and staff are to each other and to new members of the community. We are not a huge school, but the new students and parents are surprized that as I tour the building I can interact, by name, with the students. The students and parents see a faith community with a purpose. A purpose that the staff and students are proud of.
Having programs and the latest gadgets are important and are needed in any school. More important though is an atmosphere of welcoming in the school. Students and parents need to realize the school they are choosing is a special place. Our school is special place where their child will be welcomed with open arms and cared for.
Greg Kostiuk
Greg Kostiuk 