"Get Your Jedi On"

The year has rolled out and we have been busy challenging our staff and students to think critically and be innovative in their approach to learning.
We are quite impressed with how well our students have taken to the Genius Hour approach to CTF (Career and Technology Foundations) in Grades 5 and 6. Friday afternoons have become a hub of excitement and engagement for our students. They are busy designing projects of their own interest and tracking their learning. Teachers are spread out throughout the school, ready to support them in their project needs; it is the ultimate in students driving their own learning.
We are truly embracing the District Faith Theme, "Love Kindness" around Holy Spirit School, as we have had a successful food bank drive via our "Hamper Train." It was an opportunity to support families in our community, so that they could have a Happy Thanksgiving. The clothing collections for the Girls Orphanage in Mexico was also well received. Moreover, it is wonderful to wander around the school and see the posters of students' hands with virtues written on them, reflecting how they can show our faith theme of kindness with our own two hands.

When I look at all that is happening, it has caused me to stop and reflect upon the reasons why our staff and students are jumping willingly into some uncomfortable territories; I think I have an answer... at least in part. We have been doing some work on Growth Mindset by Carol Dweck, which is a belief that one's character, personality and intelligence can be developed and that there is true potential in all of us. It is refreshing to think that our intelligence is not static and that we are not victims of our own genetics. We can aspire to more with the retraining of our thoughts, which eventually leads to action.

This week I will have the privilege of speaking about the topic of Growth vs. Fixed Mindset with Principals, Supervisors, Directors and Superintendents at our Fall Leadership Conference, which I entitled "Get Your Jedi On: Growth vs. Fixed Mindset." (Yes, corny but effective). Our District is focusing on Brain Research this year and Growth Mindset definitely fit the bill for this; it is an honour to be able to present this information to colleagues.
In terms of the school, much of this centers around how we phrase things to our students and staff. We have been switching mindsets from phrases like, " I can't get this" to "What am I missing?" or "It's good enough" to "Is it really my best work?" It is important to be open to failure in order to succeed. The word FAIL is viewed as our First Attempt In Learning, which changes our mindset to one of continued attempts, rather than stopping when we are incorrect.
When we take the opportunity to retrain the brain to be open to constructive criticism, coupled with positive praise, we open the minds of our students and staff to willingly overcome challenges and embrace our true potential.
You will see the Star Wars posters about Growth Mindset around the school. Please take a second to stop, look at them and reflect how these may be useful in your lives, as well.
You may even choose to get your Jedi on. :)

Fall Leadership Power Point Presentation