7/8 Boys Floor Hockey Team Triggers Memories

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Last Wednesday, I went to our boys floor hockey tournament in Oakville with Mr. Marshall.  As I expected, the boys were competitive, terrific sportsmen, and represented KCS in the way I’ve come to expect over the past thirteen years.

The boys were playing our arch rival, Mentor College, in the semi-finals.  Mentor had squeaked out a 5-4 victory in the round robin portion of the tournament against us, and following the game I heard a number of their players say in front of our boys that they were expecting to play Fern Hill in the finals.  Our boys had other plans for the first 21 minutes of the game.  We were up 6-2 with six minutes remaining…but we lost 7-6.  I was disappointed for the boys, but fifteen minutes later, they had “recovered” from the defeat and they were back to being their usual selves on the bus ride back to KCS.

As we were driving home, and I was thinking that this is what Ron Wilson and Randy Carlyle must have felt like this year, I remembered a particularly memorable defeat that my Dad reminded me of just a couple of years ago when he said to my son, Brandon, “You should ask your Dad about the time his team lost to Ottawa in hockey.”  I remember him saying this and thinking to myself, I’ve forgotten about this loss for the past 30 or so years, and yet you’ve kept this in your memory bank for that long.  One of the messages of this exchange is that the things we do as kids can often stay with our parents longer than it might stay with the child who actually does them.  Anyways, when I was either 14 or 15 we were playing ice hockey against Ottawa.  We were winning 4-0 with two minutes to go in the game.  When ended up losing 5-4 in the first minute of overtime.  My Dad had remembered this event and triggered my memory about it two years ago when he was speaking with my son.  The KCS boys on Thursday brought it back.  I have a message for the boys:  You’ll forget about this in time.  Your parents might not.

Derek Logan
Head of School

More than Spring has Sprung at KCS

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Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn.
~Quoted by Lewis Grizzard in Kathy Sue Loudermilk, I Love You

The warm sunshine, return of the robins, dancing daffodils and burgeoning tree buds weren’t the only new arrivals to recently grace our community. Though the emphatic entrance of spring was deeply appreciated, something else has awoken that even topped the weather for its sheer delight.

After years in our thoughts, dormant but developing, KCS is now proud to offer electives, electives with some significant twists, twists that had many of the grade 6 students, who get first crack at this opportunity, beside themselves with excitement.

A general introduction to electives was in last week’s parent e-newsletter Stay Connected. They’re designed for students to just learn for the love of it, learn by choice, not for marks, nor because the Ministry of Education says you must. It’s a time to develop the Habits of Mind, Body and Action that indisputably set us up to be successful. And it’s a time to offer an unlimited array of meaningful learning. If teachers and students can dream it, they now have time to do it. Directly connected to our school mission of developing lifelong learners, it’s designed to stoke the flames that fuel lifelong learning.

Judging from my small group of third-language learners, it’s working.

Students in grade 6 were given eight electives to choose from. Based on their choices, the forty-two students are now in one of six electives for 100 minutes each week of third term. One group is learning to cook from Chef Cirillo of Cirillo’s Culinary Academy. The result of their labours this past week was a mouth-watering chicken cacciatore dish that went directly to a youth shelter. Another group is engaged in geocaching. Enriched technology, art and drama are also taking place. And my group has each student learning the foreign language of their choice. Concurrently, (and thanks the significant help of Rosetta Stone language learning software), the students are learning the following languages: Mandarin, Japanese, Italian, Spanish and Filipino. Just because they want to.

Some of you may have read Sir Ken Robinson’s book The Element: How finding your passion changes everything. He’s right, of course. The bulk of his book exposes the far too common disconnect between the regular school day and finding one’s passion, as if passion only has relevance in extra-curricular pursuits. Not here.

One of my students announced he was going to try to learn enough Mandarin to use it exclusively with the flight attendant on an upcoming family trip (hmm, not sure how that will go but keen to know!) To achieve his goal he has asked if he can use the software at home and if there are apps he can download on his iPad.

Lifelong learner, check.

Being Remembered

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During our chapel service on the last Friday before the March break, I said goodbye to one of our grade 1 students who was leaving KCS the next day to move to Sweden with his family.  As Josh was a grade one student, he had only been around KCS for the past seven months, but he will be remembered positively in many ways by his classmates and teachers.

Before leaving for chapel, I was speaking with Ms. Murphy about Josh.  His friends had made him a book to take with him:  Things We Like About Josh.  In the book it mentioned that Josh always played fairly, he was a fast runner, a funny guy and a super soccer player.  The book spoke volumes about the person he is becoming at such a young age.  For me, I will always remember Josh as being very respectful.  He would always say hello to me or give me a high five.

We will miss Josh around here this week and in the years to come, but we know his move to Sweden will bring about many memories and adventures.  It got me to thinking:  when a person leaves a place (work, school, etc.), how would they want to be remembered?  Just prior to the March break our 35 grade 8s decided on which schools they are going to attend for high school:

Bishop Allen:  5
Branksome Hall: 2
Etobicoke School of the Arts: 2
Father Redmond: 3
Greenwood College: 7
RSGC: 4
St. Clement’s School:  2
St. Michael’s College: 6
St. Mildred’s School: 1
Upper Canada College: 2
The York School: 1

As the grade 8s finish their final term at KCS, I hope that they will all consider the question:  how do I want my classmates and the staff and faculty to remember me at KCS when I leave?

Derek Logan
Head of School

A Tribute to Quiet Leaders

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Be quiet. If you listen, you will hear them roar.

A quiet leader at KCS told me about the new book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking. Susan Cain, introverted author and now uncomfortable-yet-superb TED Talk speaker (see her speak here), makes the compelling argument that volume, voice and unabashed extroversion should not be treated as a preferred modus operandi, the standard all should strive to reach. Communication matters, but so does quiet, and particularly so for some.

This reminds me of some students I know.

Each term, a student from each class in grades four through six is chosen to receive the Junior Merit Award. The second-term ceremony was the week before March Break. Making the ceremony a teachable moment for all students in the audience, homeform teachers introduced the recipients with a speech that made clear why they were chosen. Here are some of the many ways in which the recipients are exceptional:

  • Concise writing
  • Clever sense of humour
  • Hard-working
  • Always listening and learning
  • Showing concern for others
  • Consistent sportsmanship
  • Listening carefully to suggestions
  • Though shy, first to participate
  • Exceptional effort
  • Courageous
  • Exemplary work

The second term awards were handed out the same week this quiet teacher-leader and I were talking about Susan Cain and her work. Though talking about ‘quiet’, it was loud and clear to us that the very worthy recipients were living proof of Cain’s message. Knowing the six students, they are quiet leaders. They are supremely able, significant contributors. Their modus operandi is a model to us all.

In our rather loud and busy world, take time to be quiet, and notice the quiet leaders in your life. Their example speaks volumes.

Andrea Fanjoy,
Assistant Head, Academics

When Perspectives Differ: Habits to Guide Us

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  • Be curious and open-minded, gathering data through all senses, sources and perspectives
  • Strive for accuracy
  • Do what is right, whether based on values or facts

From the ‘KCS Habits of Mind, Body and Action’

Life is infinitely interesting. It is full of possibilities, challenges, perspectives and life paths that differ from one person to the next. All communities, from those that are family-sized to those that span the globe, contain this variety. It’s the spice of life!

We have all been in situations where variety in perspectives is challenging. Children can be particularly transparent in showing how their perspectives differ from those of their parents! Life in a healthy democracy means we see different perspectives clashing daily. The mindset people bring to conflicting perspectives determines whether we successfully navigate and benefit from the variety, or become paralyzed with frustration.

At KCS, different perspectives confront us at every turn. Not only do we learn about them through following current research and analysis in the field, we experience and work with it daily in order to maximize learning for our students. It is an inherent part of working with people, and a critical part of trying to accomplish something significant with them.

KCS strives to follow and teach the mindset that will allow all of us to manage and thrive from variety and complexity. Essentially, we work to build this mindset by developing certain habits of mind, body and action. These habits are posted in every classroom, taught, and referred to frequently. You can also find them here. Research and expert opinion is united on the significance of the 26 habits we have embraced as the essence of KCS.

So, what habits help when perspectives differ?

Being curious and open-minded, gathering data through all senses, sources and perspectives:

It starts with open-mindedness and a curiosity that drives your mind to collect all relevant information. It takes strength of character to resist jumping to conclusions before collecting information in such an open and thorough manner. When information conflicts with long-held assumptions or self-protecting opinions, real open-mindedness requires humility and courage.  It isn’t easy.

Striving for accuracy:

When all relevant information and perspectives are gathered, the mind must strive to determine what is accurate and true. If history is any measure, we are all vulnerable to being misled. We are vulnerable to what others say, to what we want to believe, and to being lazy in thought. Striving for accuracy requires mental strength and discipline. It isn’t easy.

Acting according to what is right, whether based on values or facts:

Following the thorough and open-minded collection of data and perspectives, and the exercise of discerning what is accurate versus what is not, action is required. Most days, and in most ways, acting according to what is right is the obvious and easy final step. However, on occasion, this can be the most challenging habit of all, as it has implications for our public face, our relationships with others and how we stand up to the status quo. At times, the act of doing what’s right in the face of personal cost takes exceptional integrity. At these times, it isn’t easy.

Wouldn’t it be nice if life were easy? Who among us has never longed for simpler days? If we’re lucky, we all have some times in our lives that are free of constant challenge. However, if we’re also honest with ourselves, embracing the challenge of different perspectives is what makes our lives rich and meaningful. I wouldn’t trade my children for the freedom from challenge! And I wouldn’t trade my profession for one that is less complex. The world is what it is, and we need to be prepared to be successful in it. With the right habits of mind, body and action, we will be. With the right habits of mind, body and action in our children, the world will be in good hands.

All Families Have a Story

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This afternoon a parent of a couple of boys at our school passed this eight minute video on to me.  Perspective is such an important thing to teach our children.  Keep the Kleenex handy.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/W86jlvrG54o

A Bunch of Wonderful, Squeezed into Four Days

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Sometimes, life seems unusually lop-sided. The week of February 20th, a four-day week coming off of our Mid-Term Break, life at KCS felt that way. It had way more than its fair share of wonderful.

Starting Tuesday, astonishing art adorned the foyer. Staff, parents and students arriving at KCS were greeted with grade 7 ‘memories’ sculptures and canvas painting in the style of Alex Colville, posters from the musical poster contest, Inuit art from the grade 2s, folk art in the style of Maud Lewis by the grade 4s, and biographies of our ‘Big Bad Musical’ cast. As if that wasn’t enough to look at, the KCS TV shared photos of our ice hockey club playing sledge hockey, our grade 8s playing with their grades 1 and 2 buddies, and many other beautiful moments from our Four Doors to Learning program.

Wednesday was our annual grade 4 Medieval Times Feast. Students, dressed as lords, ladies, dragons and jesters, entertained parents, other students, and faculty through skits, sword-fights, jokes, juggling, poetry-reading and ukulele-playing. The students’  family ‘coat-of-arms’, ‘stained glass’ and gargoyles adorned Canada Hall. A mighty feast followed, thanks to the generous efforts of many parents.

Thursday was our February “Wake Up to the Arts”. The foyer, already festooned in art, was now complemented with student curators and live music from students as well as music from our upcoming musical. Thursday also saw our U12 girls basketball team reach double overtime in the finals, earning second in the tournament. In the evening, parents, staff and faculty enjoyed ‘Pasta Palooza’, good company, and heart-warming speeches.

Friday started with the weekly ‘Free Hugs and High Fives’ from four grade 7s greeting all who enter. Starting at 9:00, the grade 6s enjoyed a speakers’ series where guests spoke of their successful careers, enticing students to consider their future role in a global marketplace. Meanwhile in chapel, the following took place for the rest of the school:

  • Five students read ‘bricks’ for the Wall of Service
  • Eight grade 2 students read about their ‘Acts of Kindness’
  • Three grade 5s spoke about their ‘Turn Out the Lights Tuesday’ campaign
  • Three grade 7s announced that last week was a record-breaking ‘Walk-to-School-Wednesday’
  • Five grade 7s led our weekly ‘Compliment Friday’, which invited four students and a teacher to give public compliments
  • The House Captains announced upcoming House Lunches, the House mascot names, and an upcoming contest, “Are you smarter than a House Captain?”

Honestly, where else was there a week like this?

School, just like life, isn’t always happy. It can be tough, frustrating, and even unpleasant. We can’t always shield students from this fact, nor should we if we could. What is important, however, is that children learn they can make a lot of goodness happen in their lives.  Happiness, and well-earned pride from making a difference, is in their control. This is a lesson infused in all the academics, arts, athletics and citizenship at KCS. And goodness, when squeezed into a short week, they pack a mighty punch.

Do What Is Right

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Some of you may know this story already, as it happened back in August 2011. However, one of the columnists that I enjoy reading, Rick Reilly, wrote about it on the ESPN website recently. Such a great story. Watch the video, via the link, in the article if you get a chance. Share it with your children. A terrific message.

Doing The Right Thing, Rick Reilly, ESPN

Responding with Awe and Appreciation in Grade One

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Their eyes were wide as saucers. They screamed. They squealed. Their bodies jiggled with joy and laughter as they watched what their teddy bears got up to in the library over the weekend. The world has many places that are truly awesome. Last weekend, in the eyes of the grade ones, our library was one of those most special places.

Hartley the Bear

Hartley the Bear, the host of the party!

During a Friday Pyjama Day, with Ms Hoggarth’s help, Hartley the Bear, the KCS library mascot, announced that he would be hosting a party over the weekend for the teddy bears of all the grade one students. The party would begin when all ‘their people’ left at the end of the day. Cameras were set up to capture the shenanigans.

You can see the results here. What you can’t see is the response of the grade ones when they watched their imaginations come to life. Of course, the teddy bears’ activity came about as a result of some human friends. It wasn’t real. But the wonder and surprise, the awe and appreciation, was real. It was a lesson that goes as follows: your imagination is valued, things you imagine can come true, libraries can be magical places, and school can have wonderful surprises that will make you smile with appreciation for years to come.

Thank you, Hartley and friends, for making this unforgettable experience happen. You are nurturing a Habit that is boundless in value. The awe and appreciation you have inspired reach far beyond the grade ones.

Andrea Fanjoy,
Assistant Head, Academics

The Best Theatre Value in the City

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If you don’t have tickets for next week’s production of The Big Bad Musical (March 1-3 @ 7 p.m.) you are going to miss out on an outstanding production.  I’ve been attending KCS musicals for the past thirteen years:  Aladdin, Annie, Fiddler on the Roof, Grease (the elementary school version of course!), The Sound of Music, as well as many others.  I can still remember watching my first KCS musical, Alice in Wonderland, with my daughter, Alyssa.  We marveled over the amazing costumes (especially the caterpillar) and the terrific sets.  But what I loved most was seeing and listening to the students on stage singing and participating in a production that would have terrified me to be part of when I was their age.  The last musical I was involved in was in grade 3.  I was a rock.  A piece of cardboard in the shape of a boulder was painted gray.  The teacher’s instructions were as follows:  “Derek, you are the rock in this production.  I want you to hold this up on the stage and crouch behind it.  The audience shouldn’t see you.”  My parents are still laughing about this one.

There are still a few remaining seats for Saturday night.  Don’t delay.  From the sounds of the rehearsals that make their way up to my office every Wednesday afternoon, next week’s shows promise to be another KCS hit.

Derek Logan
Head of School

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These posters are the finalists in our Big Bad Musical Poster Contest. See all of the entries on our Facebook photo album.