Head Lines

Thursday, October 06, 2022

I hope that whether you are working, retired, on holiday, or with family, that you are regularly asked how you are doing and if you enjoyed your most recent weekend. One of the myriad benefits of my job is that I am surrounded by 600 kids and 200 adults and we exchange with one another these basic, friendly, caring, short, impromptu moments every day. I will never tire of these greetings; they warm my heart every day.

At the time of writing this particular blog submission, it is a Monday morning (Monday, September 26th, to be exact) and the usual “How are you?” was quickly followed by, “What did you do this weekend?”

Read more Add new comment
Thursday, September 29, 2022

The world has changed a great deal over the last three years.

It is a most “interesting” time to work in education. And, if you are in education, isn’t the discovery of “interesting” topics at the foundation of stimulating conversation? Motivation? Creativity? Change? Debate? Dialogue? Wonder? If something is interesting it might also be controversial. It might generate emotions and feelings. And, thus, create opportunities to learn and better understand the past, the present and the future.

For a student, in particular, finding something interesting could be the spark that lights a fire that fuels a lifetime pursuit. An interest in stars can lead to a study of astronomy; rocks, geology. Hearing the sounds of a marimba for the first time might fuel an interest in music and musical pursuit. “Interesting” can prompt an endless number of options and opportunities.

Read more Add new comment
Thursday, September 22, 2022

We are now more than two weeks into the 2022-2023 academic year, and I am confident that the majority of kids (and their parents!) are delighted to be back at school for a more “normal,” engaged and rejuvenated academic year.

I am, too.

In fact, I am delighted by the vibe, energy and ethos in our school community. We recognize COVID’s continued presence and particular threat to those most vulnerable, however, when in a school setting, you cannot help but witness – and feel – a palpable positive outlook.

So, with that reflection and appreciation in mind, here is my list of the Top 10 things about being back at school (in no particular order):

Read more Add new comment
Thursday, September 15, 2022

This is Trinity College School’s 158th year and my 19th year as head of the School. Three of my own children graduated from this school. So, you could say that I am pretty familiar with the TCS experience. From the carefully planned re-opening of our doors in the first week in September, to the campus energy and activity that typically follows, it’s fair to say that I’m no TCS novice. However, I must admit, the one thing that I did not expect this fall was to feel a little bit like a “new kid at a new school.”

Or, maybe more accurately, I felt a bit like a new head of school, with all the excitement, fresh energy and anticipation that typically comes when first entering a new community.

It is undeniable. There is something in the air. A sense of newness or renewal. A fresh start for everyone. Perhaps not fully “post-COVID,” but the sense that we are returning to a full, active experience for kids and adults in the school setting.

Read more Add new comment
Thursday, September 08, 2022

Parents: If you think it is emotionally difficult to have your child attend their first day at a new school and/or begin a new school year, be thankful you are not a bird.

On average, I am told, it takes about two to four weeks for a baby bird to learn to fly. Or, in other words, from hatchling to fledgling to “flying the coop” within a month! Thank goodness, we have our kids in our nest longer than that.

Nonetheless, while we educators look forward to the excitement and energy of a new school year, the return of our students and the addition of new faces, many parents and kids are understandably anxious.

Read more Add new comment
Wednesday, June 15, 2022

One of my most favourite days of the TCS academic year is the first full day of classes, in early September, when the entire student population is gathered together in The Memorial Chapel.

Traditionally, one of my other favourite days of the year is a Sunday in the middle of June. But, not this year.

Allow me to explain.

Read more 2 comments
Thursday, June 09, 2022

When asking about a young person’s future, the traditional question adults often pose to teenagers is, “What do you want to do when you grow up?”

If you have heard me speak on this topic before, you will know that I think that this, albeit well-intentioned, question is out of date.

For one, the question historically was focussed, understandably, on what a young person envisioned to be their chosen profession. The issue is that, today in particular, most kids don’t have an answer to that question. Ideas and realities around work, workplaces and career paths have greatly evolved.

Further, this conversation-starter assumes that a child’s choice of career would help the adult better understand the adolescent. After all, you can get a better sense of what a kid is all about by their career choice, right? Nope, not always! And this is particularly not the case these days.

Read more 3 comments
Wednesday, June 01, 2022

Fresh off the heels of Reunion Weekend 2022, Head of Junior School Jennifer Reid reflects on the connection to Boulden House, as heard through the fond memories of Junior School students past.

Written by guest blogger, Mrs. Jennifer Reid

Last weekend was a whirlwind of activity as alumni were welcomed back onto campus for Reunion Weekend. Boulden House was included in the itinerary as an opportunity to tour with teachers and students present. I was thrilled to welcome 38 alumni, along with their partners, children and grandchildren, into the building. Some were proud Junior School grads from five years ago; others boarded in Boulden House 50 years ago. All had stories and fond memories to share about their time at TCS and, in particular, in Boulden House.

Read more Add new comment
Wednesday, May 25, 2022

If you were to examine our website, marketing brochures or our strategic plan, for example, you would not see or read about Breakfast Olympics at Trinity College School. Typically, it is not an event that the School widely promotes.

In fact, it is not an event that I typically champion. However, I felt differently about Breakfast Olympics this year.

Read more Add new comment
Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Ms. McClure, TCS’s Grade 5 homeform teacher and director of the Junior School Tottenham Players’ most recent stage production, shares her insights on the incredible lessons that can be learned through theatre.

Written by guest blogger, Ms. Heather McClure

As teachers, we are always looking to hone our practice, improve our skills and learn about new research in the field of educating young people. As I sat down to write this guest blog post, I pondered what I could put out there of interest or value. I landed on “invisible gloves.” Stay with me!

Read more 2 comments

Pages