The Last Time the Leafs Made the Playoffs

Posted on April 21, 2013 by Derek Logan

Tonight’s victory by the Leafs over Ottawa ensured that they would be involved in a playoff game sometime next month. Here’s a look back on the year 2004, the last time the Leafs made the playoffs:

None of our grade 1 or 2 students had been born (and even some of our grade 3s)
We still had only one class in each of grades 5-8.
Shrek 2 was the number one movie and Usher was the top selling album
Our 18 000 square foot Third Addition had not been built
KCS didn’t have social media sites…sometimes I feel it would be nice to go back to this time!
Current Leafs; James Reimer, Phil Kessel, and Jake Gardiner were in high school
We sent home our newsletters on paper in your son or daughter’s knapsack
Glenn Zederayko was Head of School
Elmo was the hottest toy on the market
The majority of students did not carry around cell phones (the phone would not fit in their locker)
Our student population was approximately 220 students – almost 2/3s of our current student body
A daughter of one of our teachers was born on May 4, 2004
(Toronto Star, Apr. 20, 2013 – Toronto Maple Leafs: Return to playoffs would be first-time experience for these kids)

What have you done since May 2004?

Derek Logan
Head of School

Kind Gesture Leads to Unexpected Encounter

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Derek Logan

Last Monday I was sitting in my office when one of our grade 8 students knocked on my door and asked to speak to me. He had been on our European Battlefield trip with his Dad in March and they had written a thank you letter to me (as well as the five other faculty and staff who were on the trip). In addition he gave me a Vimy Pin. April 9^th was the 96th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, and he asked me to wear the pin the next day to commemorate the battle and honour those Canadians who had fought in 1917.

The next morning, I put the pin on and went outside during drop off. A parent rode up with her son on her bike. She noticed the Vimy Pin and said that she saw an article in that day’s National Post about Vimy. This led me to stop into our Business Manager’s Office later in the morning as I knew she had the Post delivered to her house. I asked her if she would save the article for me as I was interested in reading it. While standing in the doorway of her office, the Church receptionist overheard us talking. She asks me if she heard correctly that I was speaking about Vimy. I said yes, and then she asked me whether I knew the name of the designer of the Memorial. Of course, I couldn’t remember on the spot! That’s when she told me she was related to Walter Seymour Allward, the designer. She told me some stories, including that she has visited the Memorial twice, the last time in 2007 after it was refurbished; that she’s been in the catacombs beneath the Memorial; that Walter has other pieces of work at Queen’s Park, in Brantford, etc., and that he’s buried locally in Toronto. Her and her sister have researched Walter over the years. Of course this led me to a further conversation with one of our history teachers and one of the main organizers of our biannual battlefield trip. She said she would arrange for some of our students to interview the Church receptionist for their end-of-the-year history project.

The above story started with a thank you. A very kind gesture indeed, but one that had the added bonus of leading to an unexpected encounter at KCS. You just never know where good deeds will lead and where this story may go next.

Derek Logan
Head of School

The Police vs. Grade 1

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Derek Logan

If you happen to be in the KCS lobby be sure to watch for more photos on our TV.

On Tuesday morning, at drop off, I was out in the plaza in front of the school when Officer Rich, our community police officer, pulled up in his cruiser. He was here to speak to our grade 6-8 students on the topic of bullying and cyber bullying. Before entering the school, Officer Rich suggested that, after his talk with the older kids, we could bring some of the younger students outside and they could climb in the cruiser, ask him questions, etc. In a momentary lapse of reason, I spoke with the grade 1 teachers and offered to take their classes outside for the twenty minutes of morning recess.

So at 10:20, I lined the grade 1 students up in the hallway and we marched outside. Thankfully Ms. Borg, one of the grade 1 teachers, volunteered to come with me and take some photos, although I had confidently said to her beforehand, “If a police officer and a principal cannot handle 33 grade 1 students, there’s a problem.” Five minutes later, after we had rounded up the students for a photo op behind the black iron fencing :), the students were given the opportunity to climb in the cruiser and look around. The fun began. The energy and curiosity of the students was amazing to watch, it was like a beehive: constant activity. Some students were asking questions of Officer Rich, while others were arguing with each other about who was sitting in the cruiser the longest. They each had an opportunity to wear Officer Rich’s hat, and that in itself created some interesting conversations. Another student found a worm and decided it would be a good idea to chase some of her classmates. And by this time it was only 10:27. How would I survive the next thirteen minutes? I thought to myself… I need a nap.

I always tell parents that I really enjoy having the grade 1 classes across the hall from my office. If I ever want a little humour in my day, all I need to do is visit their classes or stand in the hallway as they are getting ready to go to their next activity. Those few minutes each day help to put my role at the school in perspective, and they certainly make me appreciate the quality of people we have teaching our primary students at KCS. Next time I have a bright idea to volunteer, I hope I remember this twenty minutes, and do it anyway.

Derek Logan
Head of School

Hope You Enjoyed the Last 54 Days

Posted on April 4, 2013 by Derek Logan

The St. Julien Memorial – a Canadian war memorial located in the village of Saint-Julien, Belgium. KCS European Battlefields trip 2013.

My last Blog post was February 12^th. A couple of times each week since then, a thought comes into my mind that I need to write another post. Each week I feel guilty for not writing, but then I start on something else work or family related and another week passes by. The guilt begins again, I begin something else, and then another week passes without another post. It’s not that I haven’t been doing things the last eight weeks. I’ve been down to Philadelphia to attend the annual NAIS conference for educators across North American; attended a trip to the Canadian battlefields in Europe along with 74 other students, teachers and parents from KCS during the first week of the March break; prepared for Board meetings, strategic planning sessions, and staff meetings; read books; watched my Leafs on their playoff push while laughing at the hockey commentators and their inability to predict any trades; attended plenty of soccer training sessions with my son; celebrated a 75^th birthday for my Dad, a 70^th birthday for my mom (hi mom, thanks for reading!), and a 93^rd birthday for my grandmother; bought Eagles tickets for July 11th.

In short, life happened, my blog posts didn’t. Life went on for you, and the fact that you didn’t read a blog post from me may not have made a difference in your last 54 days. It got me thinking about all the things we try to cram into each day, and if we didn’t do them, what would really happen? Maybe this blog post made you think for a second, maybe it was a non-starter; maybe it was a happy distraction in your day. At least for me, I no longer feel guilty about not writing something, my ‘writer’s block’ has been overcome and I’m already enjoying working on my next post. Stay tuned…

Derek Logan
Head of School

Time for Awe and Appreciation (Tribute to Wonderland!)

Posted on March 4, 2013 by Andrea Fanjoy

Readers who saw this year’s musical Wonderland! know why it’s time.

Respond with awe and appreciation is one of the KCS Habits. Of course, the world has plenty of things that are awesome and worthy of our appreciation. Trouble is, most of us don’t stop and recognize them enough. Even at KCS, where wonderful things, big and small, happen quite regularly, it’s the other habits that tend to get the most air time.

Well, the musical put this habit front and centre. Awe is the absolute right word to describe this wonderful show. And appreciation to match is due.

The primary students sang with heart, confidence, and charm. It’s clear many of our youngest students are already destined for a future on stage. The dancers performed throughout with style, grace and polish. The chicken dance will be among the many unforgettable moments! The chorus and band immersed us in delightfully memorable songs. The performers amazed us with their evident talent and commitment to their roles. Their efforts have inspired performers-to-be. And then there’s the many people behind the scenes, from tech crew to the many teachers, parents and grandparents who invested hundreds of hours planning, directing, organizing, sketching, sewing, shopping, thinking creatively, problem solving and just generally making something huge happen.

It was awesome. Thank you.

Andrea Fanjoy,
Assistant Head, Academics
You can follow Andrea on Twitter @afanjoy.

You Gotta Try This

Posted on February 26, 2013 by Andrea Fanjoy

In need of a work-day boost? Fed-up with the February blahs? In general need of a joyful escape but March Break is still too far away?

Our eight-year-olds know just what you need.

A group of five girls spent weeks putting it all together. They developed the plan, checked with their teachers, found a date that worked, and chose the DJ.

‘We Gotta Dance’ was a dance party for all grade twos and any available teachers. For 20 minutes, we boogied to “Gangnum Style”, “Call Me Maybe” and other good-time tunes that banish the blahs. Boys, girls, and lucky teachers, shimmied, sang, ran, laughed, rocked and rolled.

If your workplace has a vacant room, and a boss who’s willing, you gotta give this a try. This is a boost that’s as good for the body as it is for the bottom line.

Our People + Effort = Successful Change

Posted on November 26, 2012 by Derek Logan

Last week we announced our proposed amalgamation with St. George’s on-the-Hill Nursery School (SGNS). The faculty and staff of both schools reacted to the announcement with a positive mixture of excitement and anticipation as we tackle our future together. Both organizations understand the benefits of amalgamation. I really didn’t expect anything less. And here’s why.

I joined KCS back in September 1999 as the grade 8 homeform teacher. At that time I taught history, Language Arts and geography to our grade 7 and 8 students. In 1999, KCS had one class in each grade, and we had approximately 150 students in the school. Our staff was about 25 people, a number of whom still teach at KCS today. Halfway through my first year, I was happy with my decision to join the KCS team. Even then, I knew this was a great school.

Over the past fourteen years, KCS has grown to 317 students and 46 faculty and staff. The school has faced many opportunities and challenges along the way – some planned for, others unanticipated. We’ve opened two additions to the school, one in March 2003, and one in December 2009. Those of you who have lived through a renovation know the inconveniences you have to live with during construction. We have managed our school through an economic recession and a flood in February 2010 that closed six of our classrooms for an extended period of time. Through each opportunity or challenge, I’ve watched the people at KCS listen, ask questions and propose solutions, and then get to work to make sure KCS comes out the other side a better school. And importantly because of that can-do, positive attitude, we’ve created many memories and had many laughs along the way. I know that the people at SGNS have had to face similar opportunities and challenges over that same time period that they have successfully dealt with.

Change either succeeds or fails due to the efforts of the people involved. Based on past experience at KCS, I am confident that the people at SGNS and KCS will all grow and learn together as we amalgamate the two schools at this exciting time. We have responded successfully to opportunities in the past, and I feel the future will be no different. In fact, with such a positive outlook with the faculty and staff of both schools, I am certain we will be better together. We are excited for the outcome of the vote at both upcoming AGMs, which will put a stamp of approval on this project and enable us to move forward.

Derek Logan
Head of School

Traditions

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Andrea Fanjoy

“If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.”
-Rudyard Kipling

We have a saying at KCS. As soon as we try something new and all goes well, it immediately becomes known as a tradition.

Part of the beauty of traditions is that with each occasion, the story of that tradition grows. Christmas is a story with a chapter for every December. Remembrance Day is a tradition with a chapter for every service.

And last Thursday was the celebration of another special tradition – Chapter’s Night. Of course, it also comes with… ahem… chapters.

I remember the second Chapter’s Night. It took place a long time ago when we used to have winter. It was a dark and stormy night and the elements proved a formidable foe, antagonist if you will, to all who eagerly tried to attend. I was teaching French that year and had offered to have my grade 6 students perform a French play.

Luckily, my car made it through the snow. Many of my students and their parents weren’t as lucky. We delayed the performance and rounded up any present and willing classmates. Excitement and angst at the imperfection of the situation filled our veins.

In the end, like all good stories, we persevered and the students performed undaunted for the crowd. And like all good stories, I recall that it was a magnificent performance. The story ended Hollywood-style.

Last week was a wonderful new chapter in our Chapter’s Night tradition. The weather has clearly learned it will not deter us and has moved on to challenge others elsewhere. KCS parents, students and staff came out in huge numbers to mix, mingle, shop and enjoy wonderful performances. And KCS is a richer story as a result.

Thank you most sincerely to everyone who worked to keep the story growing. It’s unforgettable.

Andrea Fanjoy,
Assistant Head, Academics
You can follow Andrea on Twitter @afanjoy.

It All Started With Two Words

Posted on October 30, 2012 by Derek Logan

I grew up a Notre Dame football fan. My Uncle Bill was an usher on fall Saturdays at the stadium. As a family we used to drive to go to the games in South Bend. My son and I have continued to go to at least one game a year for the past four years. To me, there’s no better way to spend a Saturday afternoon in the fall than at a college football game south of the border, especially when they are putting together a great season like this year. So when I see somebody with an Irish shirt on, I will usually talk to them.

A couple of years ago the younger brother of one of our grade 2 students (at that time) walked by my office as I was on my way into a Finance Committee meeting. He had a polo shirt on with an ND logo. I said to him something like, “Nice shirt.” He stopped, looked up at me, and said quite confidently for a four year old, “Do you like Notre Dame?” We then spent the next five minutes talking about the team. He quizzed me on my favourite players, etc. Sadly, I missed the first five minutes of our Finance meeting and likely missed a discussion on something like “leading Indicator”, “long-run average total cost”, or “tactical asset allocation.”

I was so impressed with this young boy, that I emailed his father about my encounter. Since then, all of our conversations, whether with the Dad or his son begin with our most recent observations on the football team. Last year my son and I met up with this KCS family at the Air Force game in South Bend.

And here’s where the story gets even better. Usually at the start of every school day, when Mme Giguère arrives at KCS and opens the French classroom across the hall from my office, she pops her head in and we talk about sports: football, hockey, soccer, golf, etc. (I will miss not only her talents in our primary French classes as she goes on maternity leave in February, but I will miss out on these conversations). At some point during these informal meetings over the past couple of years, we discussed Notre Dame and the story above. She has a cousin whose husband, Brad, played for the Irish at the turn of this century (no, not the 1900s!). Mme Giguère let Brad know about our student. He took the time to write an inspirational letter to him, which I understand is now proudly posted on the young boy’s bedroom wall. And in return, his Dad was able to find a number of tapes he had recorded of games in late 1990s, made a copy of them on a DVD, and sent it back to Brad. For the first time, he was able to sit down with his four children and have them watch him play in games at Notre Dame. Small gestures, kindly done, lasting memories for many people. Really, it doesn’t take much to make a difference in the lives of others. I’m proud to be surrounded by people who do this daily in our community.

Derek Logan
Head of School

Making a Difference, Thanks to Parents

Posted on October 17, 2012 by Andrea Fanjoy

I knew it as soon as I heard them.

Two Moms, climbing the stairs near the Multi-Purpose Room, heaved a huge sigh. This was the week of the annual KCS Lip Sync and these intrepid volunteers had just led a dance rehearsal with their children’s class. We crossed paths in the stairwell, we chuckled over the challenge, and off they went.

This is to thank all the parents who devote their time to helping make KCS the special place that it is. We have parents who volunteered through the summer to mentor new families. We have parents who have worked endless hours in the store. We have parents who commit their days and evenings to committee and board meetings as well as in the role of class parents. We have parents who organized an outstanding Welcome Back BBQ! We have parents preparing for our upcoming Special Lunch, parents helping in the library, parents hosting grade parties and parents who have helped supervise field trips.

And those of you who attended last week’s Lip Sync for grades 1 to 4 know that we also have a very special group of parents who are willing to do what for most is unthinkable: choreographing and teaching dance to our youngest and least focused, even dancing alone as the children’s example, in front of a Canada Hall full of spectators. What a terrific show of spirit, confidence and the joy of dance to start the school year.

Thank you to all who have already made a difference at KCS and thank you in advance for making a difference in ways to come. We’ll keep teaching your children to lead and make a difference. And we’ll point to you as examples to follow.

Andrea Fanjoy,
Assistant Head, Academics
You can follow Andrea on Twitter @afanjoy.