“The two words ‘information’ and ‘communication’ are often used interchangeably, but they signify different things. Information is giving out; communication is getting through.”

Sydney J. Harris

2014/2015 BIPSA Goal: Every student will improve their ability to communicate their thinking.

How Glenbrook North will Achieve the BIPSA Goal

Outline the broad strokes of your SIPSA for the public. Link to specific BIPSA resources as suits your school.

Glenbrook North has created a School Improvement Plan for Student Achievement (SIPSA), which is our interpretation of the Board Improvement Plan for Student Achievement (BIPSA) developed by the WRDSB administration in light of the Ontario Ministry of Education’s Achieving Excellence: A Renewed Vision for Education in Ontario.

Community

Ideally, a school community is a place in which a group of people with shared interests and common beliefs work cooperatively together for the greater good of all. Each individual is seen as important and capable of contributing significantly to the group.

A school should be an environment where learning takes place, not just for the students, but for the parents, staff and principal as well. All school community members both teach and learn from each other.

I am not the only “leader” in the school. I want to cultivate leadership in each individual and allow him/her to blossom.

This is a school where everyone appreciates each other’s strengths and areas of expertise, rather than competes for the spotlight. As the principal, I will look for opportunities to develop and empower the “leader” inside each and every person I encounter.

An Excellent school is also one that is “proactive ” as well as, “responsive”. We need to listen to community desires and concerns, and react accordingly.

In addition, we must also strive to anticipate community needs and look ahead, rather than wait for “the ball to drop”. This forward thinking approach does not require a crystal ball;  it requires listening to details, observing community trends, and synthesizing information from various sources.

Being proactive requires an accurate understanding of your school community and that depends upon strong relationships and open communication between all stake holders.

Collaboration

The school administration, staff and community will work as an effective collaborative team. Ideally, this team creates a shared vision, places high value on collaboration, communicates and spends the needed time to reach consensus whenever possible. All members of the “team” proudly share responsibility for making decisions and creating our “ideal” school.

Safe and Nurturing Environment

Teaching and learning cannot take place until each individual is physically and emotionally safe. Safe and Inclusive Schools (SCIS) is our program to ensure that safety and inclusion.

I would like to lead a school which provides a safe, nurturing learning environment in which each adult and child feels free to take risks.

A person’s ability to learn and their natural curiosity to explore, make discoveries and solve problems is contingent upon an atmosphere which provides a positive support and encouragement. Intellectual, social and one’s self esteem improves. A positive self-concept ultimately leads to peace making and a more cooperative social environment.

Celebrating Diversity

I believe it is important to increase everyone’s curiosity, knowledge of, and respect for our differences and similarities. Knowledge will certainly diminish fears and suspicions, which are the source of many prejudiced attitudes.

All children need to acquire a realistic view of the world. Schools can be the perfect environment for students and staff to become aware of their own significant backgrounds, as well as, the history and culture of their classmates and colleagues.

Celebrating each person’s individuality fosters personal pride and ultimately leads to higher self-confidence and better relationships.

Student Achievement

Student achievement is an important factor in our schools. My goal is to cultivate and capture teacher expertise in order to foster achievement. I will succeed by fostering a goal-oriented, data driven collaboration which will lead to effective innovations and strategies that support best practices. Research will guide our learning and develop all of us into the Professional Educators we strive to become. As a result, magical learning and teaching will be the essence of mission and moving forward to reach our goals.

Fun

Last but not least, schools should be a fun place to work and play. Teaching and learning is an enjoyable, energizing process, not a boring, tedious “job”. In my vision, the adults and students look forward to each school day filled with curiosity, adventure and yes, even laughter!

There is a famous saying, “It takes a village to raise a child”; here’s our opportunity!

Sincerely,

Edward Rooney
Principal, Glenbrook North Secondary School