I agree with Mr. B-G: as usual, the school year did start at 137 kmph again… and I even had the staggered start to enjoy. At our school, the staggered start brings only the Grade 9s on the first day, only the Grade 10s on the second, and only the 11s and 12s on the third day. For these first three days, parents are invited to attend, and a bbq lunch is provided. Finally, all grades attend Thursday and Friday. Then, we’re into the Labour Day weekend, already having one week under our belts. We celebrate the Labour Day weekend as a genuine holiday, fully enjoying the Argos/Ticats match up, rather than lamenting the end of summer. The icing on the cake is that we’ve also got the feeling of having earned our Fall Break in the first week of November.

I think that the last time our staff was polled, we were 59 in favour of continuing with the staggered start and 1 opposed. And, parents and students are almost as much in favour of this schedule as our staff. Critics point to the fact that they would rather enjoy a week of holidays at the end of August when Southern Ontario is at it’s best, than the beginning of November when the skies begin to drop sleet. They also like to mention that their children in elementary school, not enjoying the staggered start, no longer share the same holidays as secondary school siblings.

Nevertheless, the overwhelming support for this early startup in exchange for a Fall Break highlights the need that the students feel for a break from school by early November. Staff and students are re-energized, and the road to Christmas is much smoother as a result. In behaviour and in academic performance, students express their appreciation for the staggered start and the Fall Break.

Still, it is a busy September. On top of the Boys’ Soccer schedule, Student Council, and the EcoSchools committee, the addition of a Technology Committee has been something attracting my attention this month.

The Tech committee has been enlightening. Each department in the school was surveyed regarding current uses of technology and areas for possible expansion. Next, we’ll be looking at our Vision for technology at our school. Let me elaborate in another post… Perhaps I’ll come up for air in October.

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Image by shinealight