“…I like donating things. You should try it. It needs to be simple and it needs to make someone happy.” -Teagan (grade 2)

I wish every seven year-old could come to KCS for grade two. That way more people would learn to make the world better.

As part of their year-long study of citizenship, the grade two students are asked to perform acts of kindness. With the help of their parents, they conjure up dozens of ways in which to help others and our planet. When done, they write about their acts and then share their accounts at assembly.

Here is what this year’s grade twos have done to make the world better:

• Nine students donated to food banks
• Eleven students donated to Goodwill
• Five either donated to or did something nice for hospitals
• Six helped homeless people and a women’s shelter
• Eight donated to charities such as the Children’s Wish Foundation, Unicef, Youth Unlimited, World Wildlife Fund and the Aga Khan Foundation
• Seven contributed locally by helping a neighbour, helping a family in need, picking up litter, donating to their former nursery school and recycling old batteries
• Two donated books to a book drive

This is just the beginning. Since their first week at KCS, they have seen students of all ages get up in assemblies and share their acts of service, written on “bricks” for our Wall of Service. They have seen students from grades three to eight sharing leadership projects that make a difference in our school and beyond. And they have been greeted in the foyer with food drives and book drives and shoe drives and winter coat drives. The “Act of Kindness” unit is their launching pad for many acts to come. It is the beginning of a habit that matters on a global scale.

Teagan is in grade two. Her quote, however, captures a wisdom way beyond her years. If only every seven year-old could come to KCS for grade two.

Yesterday, my daughter, Alyssa appeared on Canada AM.  My wife, Heather, and I sat in the studio audience.  The show was dedicated to talking about the issue of mental health.  I want to thank so many of you who have stopped by, sent emails, and left messages of support and encouragement for Alyssa and our family.

As you may know, Heather and I, and more importantly, Alyssa, feel it is time to encourage dialogue about the topic of mental health.  In fact, Alyssa has led Heather and I along this path for the past year or so.  She has spoken about this topic already at an Annual General Meeting for The Rock in Burlington, a public speaking competition, during the organization of a workshop for The New Mentality, on television, etc.  Over that year, Heather and I have been hesitant about Alyssa’s speaking in front of others, but we have come to realize her story and our family’s story in dealing with what happened with Alyssa, can help to bring about positive change in this area of health care.  We realize that significant change won’t happen without people speaking out and sharing their stories.

If you attended our information evening on January 14^th entitled, “Encouraging Dialogue:  Mental Health and Our Children”, you will remember Sarah Cannon and Shannon Stach.  They also appear in the videos located on the Canada AM website.  I encourage you to take the time to watch the segments below. (please note, each video is preceded by a commercial and the same introduction)

• How mental illness is affecting one teen and one family. Also, spotting the signs and symptoms. http://www.ctv.ca/canadaAMPlayer/index.html?video=615232

• Canada AM opens the floor to questions related to mental illness, stigma, and how to find help. http://www.ctv.ca/canadaAMPlayer/index.html?video=615249

• TSN’s Michael Landsberg on his personal experience with mental illness — and breaking stigma. http://www.ctv.ca/canadaAMPlayer/index.html?video=615225

Please consider forwarding this blog post with the above links to your friends and family. Some of them may benefit from hearing the messages.

Derek Logan
Head of School

Please note: If the links above are no longer working please go to http://www.ctv.ca/canadaAMPlayer/index.html and click Must Watch Clips and choose Mental Health from the scrolling menu on the left.

I first proved my mettle on a canoe trip. I was 10 years old and this was an extended family ‘vacation’ on the Restigouche River in New Brunswick. It wasn’t how I would have chosen to spend a holiday, and the endless nipping of sand flies, physical exertion, sleeping on rocks, perpetual paddling, lack of plumbing and terror of rapids together represented the challenge I had to overcome. Of course I did.

As I recall, the next time I stared down a daunting challenge was my first experience with exams. I was in grade 7 and we wrote 10 exams, two each day for five days straight.

I have written before about how quickly the world is changing. You have no doubt read the work of others who say the same. Some things, however, don’t change. In fact, some things have always been. While the things that change are important, it is equally important to note the things that don’t.

One of these things is the rite of passage.

Rites of passage have served to infuse maturity throughout time and across cultures. When I first thought of the significance of this, it was in a graduate course that focused on the most jaw-dropping of examples. In some societies these rites of passage, often for mere pre-teens, can include extreme pain, deprivation and well-founded fear. In these cases, the rites of passage are often singular events where the individual begins a child and leaves an outright adult within a matter of days. However arduous the challenges, those who emerge feel proud, mighty and mature.

What in the world does this have to do with KCS?

In today’s world, rites of passage may take place in a rugged outdoor experience. They can also be a significant school or life challenge.  As I reflect on my canoe trip and my first experience with exams, they were rites of passage that left me feeling proud and mightier than I had before.

Our grade 6-8 students have just finished exams. I know exams have been a trial for many of our students, and their families. Since the Christmas holidays, life hasn’t been the same. Students have been studying daily, either willingly, or with prodding, yelling, angst and frustration. They have worked exceptionally hard preparing for this unusual academic challenge.

If your child wrote exams and at times you questioned what this was all for, it is about more than learning how to write exams. Yes, there are many ‘practical’ reasons for why writing exams is beneficial. I’ve written about them elsewhere. What I haven’t written about before, and what may even matter more, is how exams also connect our students to something timeless. Rites of passage, in whatever form they take, are proven sources of hard-won resilience and pride.

Now is the time to celebrate their rite of passage. Your child is not as he/she used to be. While they have not made a full leap into adulthood, they deserve to feel proud of themselves, mightier and more mature, and to feel that those around them see them as such.

This is also a time to share the stories of your own rites of passage.  Your child can now better understand what you mean when doing so.

What were the rites of passage that helped make you the adult you became?

Andrea Fanjoy,
Assistant Head, Academics

Last week my Dad and I went to the Leafs game.  Normally, when I have Leaf tickets I bring my son or daughter with me.  My wife, Heather, is no longer an option.  I tried this twice.  The first time we went was at the Gardens.  After the first period ended Heather turned to me and asked, “Is it over?”  The second time she read magazines throughout the game.  Embarrassing.  Last week both my kids were involved in extra-curricular activities that night, so I decided to ask my Dad to come to the game.  He accepted and we made arrangements.

After I asked my Dad to come, I started thinking about whether we had ever attended a Leafs game together.  We had watched many games on television over the years and he always came to the various sports games I played in.  When I was growing up, I probably attended less than a half dozen games at the Gardens, but when I thought about it, I realized I either went with my friends or my uncles.  I shared this thought with my mom and she said she didn’t recall my Dad and I going to a game together.

We had a great time.  Terrific seats, the Leafs won, excellent hot dogs and peanuts.  My advice:  don’t wait 45 years to do something with someone you care about.

Derek Logan
Head of School

That’s what Daniel thinks. When challenged to improve a bare-bones paragraph about KCS, the grade five flood-gates opened. Here are more passion-fuelled excerpts from some budding writers:

“…Learning here at KCS is a blast. You will be taught to persist no matter what. You will be told to try your best and strive for accuracy in everything you do. KCS is an exciting, friendly place to learn and you will love it here no matter who you are because KCS is the best! – Amelia

“…Another thing I love about K.C.S. is that everyone is so nice. If one person falls everyone will be there to help them, even if they just slipped in the mud. People are always asking if they need help, need to borrow something or anything else. I have never gone a day at K.C.S. that I have not seen at least 5 nice things happen to someone. It’s like if a really mean person walks into the school then suddenly they are hit with a nice ray and then they are really nice!” – Carys

The Best Things about KCS are…
…Too many to mention. The students rock. They work hard and do such a great job.
Teachers, oh teachers they are so great.
They encourage me to punctuate.
They show self-control,
And rock and roll.
They help us do what is right
And teach us to be bright.
The teachers at KCS rule
They are also so awesomely cool.
I wish every school was KCS. The world would be such a better place…
– Andrew

“… The teachers are the most helpful and kind people I have ever met.  Not one of the teachers at K.C.S. aren’t willing to stop doing what they are doing and help you out or answer one of your questions. Whenever a new student comes to K.C.S. everyone is open to tell them where to go or even be their buddy for the first few days…We learn so much sometimes my friends and I think our brains need more space…” – Jessica

“KCS is my world because there are so many wonderful students and teachers. When I walk in every morning I feel like this is my family. The students are always nice and inviting. Don’t even get me started on the teachers because they care for you as if you are a child of their own…” – Melena

“We have 4 school rules: Respect, Manners, Try your best, and don’t feed the Washington squirrels. “  – Kevin

“…When I walk through the school door, I inhale and think of all of my friends. I really hope my life at this school never ends. A teacher then greets me with a huge smile. I soon smile back; I hope I’m here for a while. This school always reminds me of a humpback whale. A humpback whale that’s not willing to bail. It always warms my heart when others hold the door for me, that it fills my whole heart with tons of joy and glee…” – Sierra

“KCS is an extraordinary school. There is never a dull moment. Each day is filled with excitement. The students are very welcoming and kind. They are willing to hold a door for you or assist you when you need help …Many people say school is meaningless, but I say that KCS isn’t a school. It’s more like your home away from home. It’s a place where you can be crazy, and laugh your head off. KCS is the place you want to be!” – Summer

“…In conclusion, KCS is an amazing school. Anyone who goes here will agree with me. If you aren’t already going to KCS, you should really consider it.” – Jacqueline

Andrea Fanjoy
Assistant Head, Academics

200+ people.  Engaging, intelligent and caring speakers.  Canada Hall.  24 January 2012 @ 7 p.m.  Very important messages about our children and mental health:

• 1 in 5 people are impacted by mental health issues at some point in their life
• Only a minority get help
• 70% of mental health issues have their onset in adolescence
• The sooner people receive help the better the prognosis
• Mental health issues are surrounded by silence, shame and secrecy thus leading to reluctance to speak out and seek help
• The stigma can be as bad as the illness itself
• Issue is tricky with kids/adolescents as symptoms continually change in kids as they are always changing.  Talk to your children about what is happening with them.
• Dealing with mental health issues is very challenging for parents and educators – but that is nothing compared to what the child/adolescent is going through
• Seek the help of professionals to assist your family
• Anxiety triggers avoidance behaviour – school, homework, tests, socializing – they avoid things that make them anxious – this can be misinterpreted by parents and teachers
• Children and adolescents with mental health issues are vulnerable to other things – bullying, social ‘drama’, substance use/abuse, suicide

Thank you to our speakers David, Taylor, Shannon and Sarah.  You are making a difference in the lives of others especially our children.  Let’s help them by speaking openly about mental health issues.  Be informed.  Share what you know.  Now.  With your friends, family and community.  Let the dialogue continue…

Derek Logan
Head of School

Please see Mental Health and Our Children for a recap of the evening and a list of resources.

Excitement isn’t unusual at KCS. Those who witnessed last week’s ‘Free Hug/High Five Friday’, then joined us for an unforgettably heartwarming assembly of student leadership and achievement, know what I mean.

Imagine having an extra dose of excitement heaped on top! Most readers may not have noticed, but much of the education world is aflutter over Apple’s recent announcement that its iPad division is now in the e-textbook business. Teachers, parents, one Head of School  and assorted others in the Twitterverse made sure this announcement didn’t escape my scope.

Rest assured, this is being followed with interest.

Events like this remind me of a favorite book, a ‘rudder’ in my career: Jim Collins’ Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Others Don’t (2001). Collins led a team of 21 researchers in the pursuit of what makes sustained greatness possible. Analysing over 1400 Fortune 500 companies, the team sought to identify the common features among those that have significant success for a period of at least 15 years. Only 11 companies made the cut. In this select group, the common features that seem to make them great are as interesting as the features one might assume make them great, but are absent.

Being the first to adopt new technologies is among the conspicuously absent.

Collins and his team identified seven features that contribute to greatness. If they can be summarized at all, it could be to say that great companies are exceptionally mindful of everything they do. How would they respond to the Apple announcement? When faced with new technologies, the approach of great companies is to “Pause – Think – Crawl – Walk – Run.” Their example is to beware the buzz and proceed with prudence until it is clear that the new technology is compatible with company strengths and objectives. Sober advice for seductive times.

The iPad’s interactive textbooks are exciting. They offer a number of attractive features. Maybe when the buzz settles a bit, we’ll remember that there is much more to education than textbooks, in whatever form they take. Then it will be time to crawl.

Andrea Fanjoy
Assistant Head, Academics

Two weeks ago our staff recertified for First Aid and CPR.  Following the session, I was speaking to the trainers, Gil and Paul, about reacting to “crisis” situations that each of us will face in life.  We all agreed that we really never know how we would react in a situation until we are in it.  What you think you would do is meaningless until you are in a similar situation and you act (or not).  The commentary on the actions of the captain of the Costa Concordia is certainly an example of how a person could react when faced by a crisis.

Each year at KCS we see many situations in which students are interacting with each other and we often find ourselves asking the question, “Why did this student or students react to the situation they were in in the way they did?”  If you didn’t read this already, below is a link to an article from The Globe and Mail’s Life section from Friday, January 20^th that may help to understand why people react the way that they do.  It’s worth a look.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/relationships/hero-or-coward-it-all-depends-on-the-situation/article2308225/page1/

Derek Logan
Head of School

At KCS, it’s our mission to develop lifelong learners with the habits to face and embrace life’s challenges. Many of our students and parents have an extra one of those challenges on their plate right now.

Exams.

Students in grades 6-8 write exams starting January 30th. Love them or hate them (yes, we’ve had students say they love them!), learning to prepare for and take exams is a challenge we all have to face at some point. Starting them in grade six, with ample guidance and time learning how to prepare, is the best way to start. Though a big deal, exams at KCS are also a safe opportunity to face this challenge, ‘try your best’, and learn from mistakes.

Looking at our Habits poster in my office Friday morning, I wondered which of the habits students should focus on to be successful preparing for exams. Five stood out. When written down, it became clear they made for a nice little acronym – a beacon for calm in the storm of stress that often surrounds the ‘e’ word. The acronym is PAUSS. The habits are:

Persist – this is a marathon, not a sprint

Adapt – old patterns of studying and time management likely need to change

Use past learning – use notes and old tests; use strategies that you already know to work, and avoid those that you know don’t

Show self-control – stick to the study plan; focus on the task; remember to also rest, eat well and get exercise

Strive for accuracy – follow the study keys, test yourself, aim to understand any errors

Exams inherently stir up anxiety. PAUSS, happily, does not.

If your child is writing exams, encourage them to PAUSS. And watch with pride as your child develops habits that matter. Take heart. Dread will soon be replaced with delight, and doubt will be replaced by well-earned confidence. And the unknown challenges to come will face a tougher foe.

Andrea Fanjoy,
Assistant Head, Academics

In the past year, there have been few days when I haven’t read or watched a story about mental health in the newspapers, on the internet or on television.  For example, in Monday’s Globe and Mail, there was an article in the front section on how police officers across the country are being trained to deal with individuals with mental health issues.  The statistics suggest that at least one in five children will deal with a mental health issue.  If the statistics are to be believed, and given that our school population is just over 300 students, approximately 60 of our students and their families will have to meet this challenge in the coming years. Dealing with a mental health issue will be difficult for a family.  I know as I have seen many families deal with this in my role as an educator, and I have experienced it as a Dad.

I am so thankful to see the media, companies, educators and the government openly talking about this issue.  For too long there has been a stigma associated with mental health issues.  We need to continue the dialogue.  A number of schools in the Etobicoke community, including ours, have been doing their part to encourage dialogue about mental health and children.  Last spring, we brought in a professional to talk to our teachers about anxiety and depression in children, and we began making plans with the help of two outstanding parent volunteers to put on an information evening for our community.

On Tuesday, January 24^th at 7 p.m. in Canada Hall we will be hosting a panel discussion at KCS about mental health and children.  We have four excellent speakers on the topic who will provide you with guidance on the signs to look for in your children, who will talk about their experiences both professionally and personally in dealing with the issue, and who will suggest the resources that are available in the community for families (please click here for more information about this event).  Most importantly, we believe our evening will help to break down the stigma attached to mental health and provide families with the hope they will need should they have to deal with a mental health issue with their child.

Two years ago, I wish I knew more about this issue than I do now.  It would have helped my wife and our family in so many ways.  I encourage you to be part of the dialogue on January 24^th.

Derek Logan
Head of School