Putting The Game Into Perspective

High School sports are great. Under the best circumstances, young athletes push themselves to the limit, learn new skills, and compete against other adolescents in healthy competition. Team sports add the dimensions of collaboration, cooperation, and camaraderie. If done properly, these too can be valuable experiences that develop character and create life-long memories. As a coach, I get to enjoy these moments with the teams that I work with, and in some measure, get to enjoy the same benefits without the sweat equity. Coaches are subject to their own sweat equity, but that is another matter. Taken together, wonderful experiences can be had by all.

Sometimes it seems as though games and sports are a matter of life and death. They aren't.

This was made clear to me this past week as I had the privilege of coaching in the Nick Micieli Memorial Soccer Tournament in my hometown of St.Catharines, Ontario. I never knew Nick, nor did most of the players in the tournament. Thanks to the tournament organizers from St.Francis Catholic Secondary School, we were to learn that Nick was a promising young man who played high school soccer, went on to college, and died under unfortunate circumstances on his first day at work in an industrial accident.

Played on the first day of May on a sunny day in Niagara, our team had a great run to the final. We faced a worthy opponent in the championship game. Our team battled valiantly, demonstrating all of the best qualities that high school sports can bring out in young men and women. We lost by the narrowest of margins, our opponents from Notre Dame College School in Welland deservedly running out winners by a 2-1 scoreline. The trophy and plaque presentation was made by Nick's parents. Brief remarks revealed the sort of character and values that are evident in the Micieli household. We can only imagine what the family would do to see their son play one more time, one more game, one more day.

Afterwards, congratulations were offered to the winning side, thanks proffered to the tournament organizers and the game officials. As the crowds filtered away, our team lined up to shake the hands of Nick's parents, each player greeting the family with a firm handshake and a genuine word of thanks.

I don't think I have ever been prouder of a team I coached. It was an honour and a privilege to participate in such a tournament with these young athletes from Ridley College, and it put the game- all games- into perspective.

Service Learning... Guatever It Takes

If education is about gaining authentic experiences, then I am certain that I just experienced one of the best imaginable. A recent service trip to Guatemala linked some of the best qualities that learning and traveling can offer. Billed as a service trip that could accommodate the needs of students from MYP aged grades 7-10, this one week adventure accomplished so much for so many. It combined eager students, energetic teachers, committed families, and a load of people in Guatemala who seem to know how to make the most out of just about any situation. Added together, it made for a great deal of fun and a lot of learning.

Ostensibly, the trip was about helping to build a school for the people of Salitrillo, a mountain village on the outskirts of El Progreso, Guatemala. That was the thrust of the work that occurred, but it involved so much more than that. Arriving at the build site daily was both an adventure and a reward onto itself. Each day we were greeted by local workers, school children, and families that were so appreciative of the help that was being provided. They showed the way in terms of work ethic, and as a group we gladly followed. Steady labour was broken up with moments of levity, appropriate rest, and a wonderful mountain view. Students, teachers, locals, and other volunteers happily shared moments of real joy.

The host Doppenberg family has been committed to improving the lives of the people of Guatemala for the past five years. Driven by their convictions, they have been dedicated to working with the neediest people in southeastern Guatemala. Initial work with an infant malnutrition center has developed into a range of activities that are designed to lessen the need for malnutrition centers altogether. Improved water quality and delivery, providing nutritious indigenous plants, educational opportunities, smokeless stoves, and other community empowerment initiatives have been started by this remarkable family.

DIG link: http://thedoppenbergs.com/

The students, teachers, and families who participated in this service learning trip were truly fortunate to have taken part. Significant contributions were made by all, and learning became a two-way street. Without fully knowing what to expect in advance of the trip, it became apparent upon arrival that a spirit of  flexibility would prevail. The unique land of Guatemala, its people, and those taking part, gave rise to extended cooperation. It became apparent that in order to succeed, the unofficial motto of "guatever it takes" would need to be adopted. Judging from the smiles, many pics, and enthusiasm shown, the goals of the trip were met by all. Most importantly, the lasting memories will be that people can make a difference when they set out for all the right reasons.

Authentic Experiences

One of the challenges facing education today is how to keep it relevant. Information on virtually any topic can be gleaned in a matter of moments with just a few quick keystrokes. An unfortunate by-product of a heavily technological school is the ability of students (and teachers) to get lost in distractions. As well, the preponderance of information requires assistance, filtering, and guidance. See, teachers are still needed, and play a key role in learning in the information age.

The changing nature of education has brought about a changing dynamic between the student and the teacher. No longer is the teacher the repository of knowledge. Sure, the teacher should have specialized knowledge that can be useful to impart, share, and disseminate, but good students with the right guidance will find their way to useful information.

Thus, it is important that the classroom and its extension beyond the walls of the school building, be a place where authentic learning experiences take place.

I recently had the opportunity with another colleague of taking a group of students to a model United Nations conference in Washington, D.C. For students interested in national and international affairs it doesn't get much better than the American capital as a place to tackle modern political challenges. Add the prestige of Georgetown University and the largest student-run model United Nations in the world (http://naimun.modelun.org/) and you have the makings of an authentic learning experience.

Students had the opportunity to write draft papers that would be read alongside those of nearly 3,000 other delegates. Of course, only the top papers would make it to the assembly floor. On-site resolutions were crafted, accepted, rejected, or modified. Lobbying, and jockeying for influence took place in the conference hallways, and meetings stretched from early morning until late in the evening. In short, it was the United Nations in miniature.

Of course it isn't always possible to travel far and wide in order to gain such experiences. Many can be had closer to home. The skills required to make changes in a local community- effective written and oral communication, well-researched positions, compromise and cooperation- are the same as those needed further afield.

Students have an appetite for learning. Teachers have a passion for it too. The meeting point between the two is always exciting when the learning experiences are authentic.

Writing Your Own Book in 2015

The new year always generates loads of posts, blogs, and books addressing matters such as fresh starts, blank slates, and new beginnings. It is inevitable given our desire for improvement and growth, combined with the turning over of a new leaf that the transition into a new year offers. Thus, this blogpost wades into the familiar waters that many swim in at this time of the year.

A glance at the headlines reveals such wisdom as: "What You Need to Know for 2015", "3 Ways to Make the Most of Your New Year's Resolutions", and others that seem to boil down conventional wisdom into easy bite-size portions.

I started the blog to chronicle my school's involvement with the IB, my own role in the change project that involved bringing about the MYP to the intermediate division, and a general commitment to international connectedness. I am fully committed to each of these three priorities as they continue to be essential parts of my professional life and I firmly believe in their importance.

The truth is that I am not sure which direction to take this blog. Yet, I am committed to writing about interesting things as they relate to education. Writing itself is a key component to the learning process.

Over the holidays I enjoyed many a leisurely meal with family and friends. Perhaps too many, but that's another matter, and a bit of holiday excess is usually excused at this time of year. At one such meal it was remarked by a family friend that the start of a new year offers the chance to daily write your own chapter to a book. I certainly agreed, and thought "why not make it a classic?"

Now, I'm not sure that I am fully committed to the notion of writing a chapter daily, although there are some who are (courtesy of @AlisonLoat :  https://medium.com/@mattangriffel/how-to-develop-a-daily-writing-habit-475732c2b026 ). Still, the idea of regular writing intrigues me and obviously plays a part in blogging. I also know that writing needs to be personal, relevant, and authentic. The connections to the real world need to be genuine. That's always the challenge for any writer. I am no different, and neither are my students.

So, the lengthening of days leads to a lightening of the spirit. The new year offers the hope of a fresh start. Although the new year officially started a couple of days ago, the academic term for 2015 starts tomorrow. I think the caption below (source unknown) captures the sentiment quite well. It's certainly the message that I will be taking to my school on Monday morning. Here's to a great 2015 and the writing of many classics.

The Team

For the better part of my life I have belonged to a team. At an early age I joined sports teams, played on them in school, and carried this out through my working life. I've captained them, played supporting roles on them, and coached them. I've enjoyed successes, experienced some setbacks, and learnt a great deal along the way.

It was with some trepidation that I faced a recent surgery- a relatively minor correction to a long-standing knee injury. No doubt the injury owed something to the many years of playing team sports. Soccer, basketball, football, and other contact sports can take their toll on the body.

Upon arrival at the hospital it was clear that the entire operation (pun intended) would be a team effort. From admission to release there must have been no fewer than 12 people who played a direct role in the proceedings of the day. Each had her or his own unique task, and each performed that task well. Even the volunteer staff of the hospital that provided simple things like the offer of a drink or a minute's conversation, did so as part of a larger team. It was appreciated.

The team approach was evident in the moments leading up to the surgery itself with the lead nurse even calling a timeout just prior to the start of the procedure. A check to confirm- with my assent- the area to be operated upon, the procedure agreed upon, and the degree of readiness all ascertained. It was impressive.

Indeed, in so many aspects of modern life a team approach is taken, and I believe, the result is beneficial to all concerned. Teamwork fosters collaboration, and collaboration fosters teamwork. Improvements and suggestions can come from many points of entry. These are all good developments, and should be embraced in an age that is more democratic and meritocratic. 

Can a team approach be applied with success in a field as traditional and resistant to change as education? I believe that it already has in the best schools and in the environments where learning is rich. A process by which a group of committed people dedicated to achieving a common purpose is very much like the teams I have enjoyed the most success with. Leaving aside trite comments, and hollow mottoes, there is no doubt in my mind that a committed team can achieve much.

Sharpening The Saw

Of course, I cannot claim to have invented the term, "Sharpen the Saw", it is the purview of the late Steven Covey of 7 Habits fame (https://www.stephencovey.com/7habits/7habits-habit7.php). However, an impending surgery got me thinking about this phrase. Is there any wonder? Surgery brings everything into sharp focus.

Sure, it is a routine surgery, if you can call anything routine that forces the body and mind into a temporary state of anaesthesia. The prospect of such things forces one to put everything into perspective, and to prioritise what is really important. That is the essence of sharpening the saw. Family, faith, and relationships come to mind for me.

Without doubt the most important aspect of my life is the family that I have been born into and helped create. One part of the equation is reaching an advanced stage of life, while the other has the balance of years ahead- hopefully. We can never be guaranteed what the future will bring, so taking full advantage of the time afforded to us is imperative. This is especially true of the ones we love the most, and spend most of our time with.

Faith is a highly personalised and uniquely individualised word. It means different things to different people, and there are certainly many to choose from in an increasingly diverse world. The important thing is to have faith. Faith that the universe will unfold as it ought to, and that people will do their best with what they have been given is part of the ethos I subscribe to. I trust and have faith that the medical community, especially the doctors and nurses I will be working with, will do best what they have been trained to do.

Relationships also come into clear focus at such moments. I am acutely aware that we have time for only a certain number of interactions or interpersonal relationships during our lives. This isn't meant to be morbid, it is just a fact of life. So, what is to be gained by having any of these interactions be anything less than optimal? Taking the time to ensure that I am positive, respectful, and fully engaged in all of the relationships I find myself in is important. Appreciating that others have a great deal to offer, and that I must add to, rather than detract from, the quality of relationships is fundamental.

It really shouldn't take moments like this to bring these priorities to the fore, but sometimes it does. It also shows that we can never take anything for granted in this life, and that every day should be lived to its maximum. Sharpening the saw. indeed.

Oh, and if I don't make it back safely from the hospital, please let this missive stand as a testament to all.

 P.S. I did make back o.k., and the message still stands.

Coming Full Circle

Although the work is not yet done, there was a sense of completion evident last week when I had the opportunity to present my Next Step project that I had been working on for the past 18 months. We often talk about relevance and rigor in the classroom and this was an opportunity for me to experience just that. The CAIS (Canadian Accredited Independent Schools) Next Step program invites candidates to produce a change project within their school, chronicle it, and then present the work publicly. While the formal completion of that process occurred for me during the summer when I was able to share my change project (Introducing the MYP at Ridley College) with colleagues and staff, I was invited to share my project at the CAIS Senior School Leaders conference.

Hosted at the Kingbridge Centre ( http://www.kingbridgecentre.com/#home )in King City, Ontario, this was an excellent venue for any presentation. It was also terrific to see many former colleagues who had moved on to other schools and were participants at the conference. The venue was perfectly set in the rolling hills north of Toronto, a fall snowstorm covering the area in white.

Upon entering the convention area you could not help but be inspired by the remarkable surroundings. Everything about the centre placed those present at ease- speaker and participants alike.  Before presenting I had the opportunity to reflect upon the journey that this project had taken. In its formative stages I was still coming to grips with what the MYP itself entailed. Given that the MYP was going through considerable changes with the Next Chapter phase being introduced, there was a great deal of new information to digest. As well, understanding that change is a long, slow process was also part of my learning curve. Taken together, there was much to unpack over the two summers that the program ran.

It is said that the teacher arrives when the student is willing. Thus, I was both student and teacher over the duration of this project. It was at this stage that I felt that the project was truly completed, and very much looked forward to sharing it. I enjoyed the moment tremendously, was inspired by speakers I shared the lectern with, and gained an appreciation of what it means to come full circle with a project.

In part, this blog was meant to be part of the change project itself. It served as a means of recording the process of change. As stated at the outset, the work of the change is not yet complete, and there is much work to be done in terms of implementation. Where we go next will be interesting, and the journey continues. No doubt there will be plenty to write about as the months unfold, but this phase is now complete and the circle is now complete.