We all have the same long-term goals for our children. We want them to lead happy, successful lives. We want them to enjoy fulfilling relationships and support others. We want them to have a career they are passionate about that contributes to creating a better world. Sound familiar? I hope so – this is the same Vision we have for each of our students and this week, at our first HoS and Parents In Partnership session, we unpacked the role our Values play in helping our students on this lifelong journey.
We explored how our Values – Empathy and Care, Equity and Inclusion, Collective Efficacy, and High Expectations are embedded within our programs and pedagogy and supported by research that demonstrates their importance in helping our students in developing the skills and dispositions they need to be happy and successful in life. My thanks to our Director of Student Services Trina Cobbledick who joined me to share how our focus on Equity and Inclusion enables every student to access what they need to participate in all aspects of learning and school life, grow, and be challenged in ways that are appropriate to them AND to feel they belong, are valued, and supported.
My thanks to the parents who shared how they support their children at home in developing these skills and dispositions. Personal stories included creating opportunities for their child to experience success (and learn from the hiccups) in planning the itinerary for a family holiday and sharing their own vulnerabilities and learning experiences with their children and role modeling resilience. Sessions such as this enable us to learn from each other and are so important as we share the learning journey of our children together. If you were unable to join us for the session, we will be repeating the presentation at our Optional Conversation with HoS on October 18.
iFest is back!
Organized by our amazing PTA, iFest (November 12) is one of ISKL’s most loved traditions and we are delighted that it is back on our calendar this year. With a history spanning more than 50 years, the day is a truly wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate the diversity of our community. As always, our thanks to our PTA and the many volunteers who make iFest such a memorable and celebratory event each year.
In partnership
Rami Madani
Head of School
