Two weeks ago, Ms. Manifold and I attended the CAIS leadership conference in Ottawa. This was a remarkable professional development and networking opportunity for us, as we got to collaborate with educational leaders from the most renowned independent schools across the country.
There were, of course, many thought-provoking sessions and multiple takeaways that we are planning to implement in our respective divisions. But one session in particular really stood out to me. The focus was on creating opportunities for collaboration amongst Junior, Middle, and Senior divisions in continuum (Grades JK/K–12) schools. One of the discussion panels explored how to create an arc of student success and belonging, along with collaborative teaching initiatives. Many leaders shared that their divisions are siloed, and sometimes teachers and students don’t even know their counterparts in other divisions. This is when I had a very proud moment as I shared the collaboration and community-building efforts that happen at UA organically and daily.
Examples of this, just in the past couple of weeks, are numerous: we have had Junior and Senior school teachers acting as Duke of Ed chaperones for a two-day camping trip, and teams of teachers from different divisions coaching athletics and running clubs for students other than their own division. We’ve also seen Grade 8 students presenting in Grades 2 and 3 classes as part of their community connections, alongside our ongoing tutoring program, buddy activities, and Middle and Senior school students presenting at Junior school assemblies.
These experiences speak to the immense sense of community shared by our students and staff. They also highlight a prevailing, collective risk-taking mindset, a willingness to think outside the box and use the reality of a shared space and human resources in the most creative and innovative ways. I can’t describe how priceless it is to witness students who have multiple adults -across divisions- at their school that they feel connected to; teachers who share their passion and strengths beyond their own class; and students who feel empowered to take initiative and shape learning experiences for other students.
Yours in education,
Khatereh Dadar, Junior School Principal