57 more sleeps

Last week I made it official that I would be seeking re-election to the Louis Riel School Division Board of Trustees representing Ward 3.  On Facebook, Twitter and Instagram I framed it this way:

I was first elected to the Louis School Division Board of Trustees in 2010.  In service to my community as a school trustee, I've experienced some of my most relevant, impactful, rewarding, and purposeful work ever, accompanied by learning that has broadened my perspective and understanding in many areas. 
The Louis Riel community needs and deserves trustees who understand elected governance, who are visible, engaged, and present in their community, who stay informed on current and emerging issues, who are committed to the work, and who demonstrate effectiveness in the role.  This has been my personal promise to my community since 2010.  I've kept it and I will continue to do so.

Election day is October 26; 57 more sleeps.

Milestone birthdays, Arthur and sound healing

With a milestone birthday just around the corner, I'm stuck in a weird place that is part funk and part euphoria- the things that are making me a bit weepy are also filling my heart. To be honest, I think it's less about a 'big number' and more about the timing of my kids being in transition, the world being my oyster, a myriad of choices before me, and the fact that my time is, well, my time.  

This morning I was listening to Tom Power on CBC interview Marc Brown, who, if you don't know, made Arthur the Aardvark a household name in more homes than just ours. My kids (and their parents) were serious fans of Binky, Francine, Brain, Buster, and Muffy and the gang.  Me? I was head over heels for D.W.; the straight shooting, tell it like is is, little sister who never failed to deliver the best line of any episode. It was often quite funny, and offered life lessons that were timely, relevant and all too real. For several years running, Arthur's Perfect Christmas even came before all other holiday shows in our house. Marc Brown is closing the book on Arthur after 25 seasons with the never aging 8-year old.   While reruns, and even a podcast, will be available I cannot bring myself to watch the final episode (just yet anyway) that catapults the crew into the future, leaving age 8 far behind.  Marc Brown was so interesting to listen to, and it sounds like he still has a lot left to do.  

Changing topics, I expanded my yoga practice recently to include a sound healing class in a hot yoga studio.  So taken was I with the experience that I wrote about it.  It was the perfect way to recognize a serendipitous encounter, which I'll have to tell you about in person since it would take too long to detail here. 

At any rate, milestone birthdays, Arthur and sound healing.  Nothing to do with being a school trustee, but then, it doesn't always have to. Does it?

Here's a deep thought in signing off:

Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don't. Bill Nye, the science guy.

Less social media, more play

I recently muted a bunch of folks on Twitter, and hit the 30-day snooze on a bunch more on Facebook.  I joined these platforms to engage, connect, learn and share, and not to have my feed filled with foul language, judgmental comments, cruel, condescending, and downright inappropriate comments on, well, just about everything.  I cannot take having to wade through a string of stats on COVID case counts, hospitalizations and deaths, and judgy 'I know better' comments to get to the stuff that offers perspective, some humour, insight, and good and worthy distraction.  

More joy.  The muting and snoozing is because I want more of what makes me smile and less of what makes me sad.   

In a 2020 blog post, I introduced you to a warrior princess who unknowingly brought a very restorative and therapeutic flavour to part of my day. I'm lucky to spend time with her fairly regularly, and if it's a day that's started cold and cloudy it never ends that way if she's been part of it.  I've had two of those days with her this month already.

And now she is 6. Still kind and caring, still totally outrageous, and still moving through life with a sense of purpose and determination, and with an opinion on just about everything. It's accompanied by a vocabulary, depth of perception and soulfulness that is all at once captivating and entertaining.  

Today I knew enough to take out an extra box of Kraft Dinner for lunch.... and we were off!  In the end, the books, the crafts, and plans to go outside and investigate the neighborhood were all forgotten and replaced by conversation about Lego, families, neighbours, school, and plans for the time a sleepover might be possible- all while absorbed in a puzzle and over several cups of tea.  I also got trounced in Go Fish.  As she left, the sun came out and I bundled up to walk in the last few minutes of daylight feeling restored once again and grateful for having connected with my own inner 6 year old. 

For a few hours there was no stress, no COVID, and no worry. And definitely no Twitter or Facebook.  I was reminded that the work, the reading, the reports and the day-to-day demands and responsibilities can be put on the back-burner with no repercussions, easily and happily replaced by silliness, play and fun.  

'The soul is healed by being with children.' - Fyodor Dostoevsky   

LRSD students who have come alive

Breaking news out of Louis Riel School Division is that Justin Patrocinio, a grade 12 student at Windsor Park Collegiate is a finalist for a Loran Scholarship. Out of 5,174 applicants, and an interview as one of the 335 semi-finalists, Justin is one of 90 students (and one of three in Manitoba) who have now advanced to the national interview stage of the application process.   

Loran Scholars are exceptional individuals who 'demonstrate perseverance when faced with adversity, a sense of curiosity, and leadership potential'. It recognizes and rewards character, service, and initiative with a financial award, mentorship, and networking opportunities.  Being awarded a scholarship means you are viewed as someone with integrity, courage and grit. To be seen as having those qualities at any age, let alone as a high school student, is remarkable, worth acknowledging and worth celebrating.  Congratulations Justin!

But wait, there's more......

Today on the front page of the Arts & Life section, the Winnipeg Free Press featured Nelson McIntyre Collegiate student Jackson Toone- a young person of many, many, talents that all centre around a love of skateboarding. Words like focused, professional, optimistic, committed and detail oriented could be, and are, used to describe Jackson's approach to everything he takes on. When you read the article it's easy to understand the appropriateness of the name Don't Waste Time (the 'middle finger' analogy is great). 

Let this all sink in folks. 

Two very different teens at first glance, but on closer inspection alike in a lot of ways. Passionate, hardworking, positive, enthusiastic, inspiring, undeterred in their pursuits, and both dreaming big. Supported by family, friends and community they are chasing those dreams and already succeeding. I can't wait to see what they do next, and where they are in 10 years. Justin and Jackson are examples of how students thrive when independence and autonomy is nurtured, and a learning environment is engaging and supported by trusting relationships.  I'm so proud to be able to say they are from LRSD!! 

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive.  And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." - Howard Thurman

Happy New Year!

It's been several months since I posted to this blog; a lifetime in many ways given the state of the world and our little corner of it.  

To frame 2021 without thinking I'd say so long, good-bye, don't let the door hit you on the way out.  But to toss 365 days out without stopping to think about all that was good not only suggests it was a wasted year, but that I wasted it, and neither of those is true. 

Aside from another year of not travelling, I shouldn't, can't and won't complain (any more I mean, I did plenty let me tell you!!).  I met new people, read a ton, and learned some stuff.  Was it all a bed of roses? Hell no.  There were days when it was all overwhelming and those were the days when I was glad for my bike, the many walking trails near by, a stack of books, puzzles, and colouring sheets, the young people in my life and all who make me laugh, yoga, my garden (such as it is), and The Forks. 

Like I've developed with Duo, I have a love-hate relationship with social media these days.  What was once a way to connect, learn and be offered welcome insight and perspective is becoming more negative and judgy than ever before. Note to self: it might be time to actually make use of the block, snooze, and mute features- they are there for a reason!! 

On that note I'll wish you a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2022.  There will always be crap.  There will always be people who, intentionally or otherwise, bring others down. 

There will always people who don't show up, or who do and just seem to take up space in the process.  

There are also those who bring their 'A game' every time, who show up and make the space better, who self-reflect as part of self-improvement, who encourage me to do better and give me a gentle shake when I've done the opposite, and who are invested in making their community a better place for everyone (and demonstrate that investment all the time).  You know who you you are; you are great teachers in your unique ways, you make me a better person, and you have my thanks, my gratitude, and my admiration.

OK 2022,  I'm ready for whatever you have in store. Bring. It. On. 

How I really feel.....part 2

It's been exactly 6 months since the 'announcement of an announcement' and on September 15, it will be 6 months since we were introduced to Bill 64, The Education Modernization Act.  While the K-12 review, with an estimated price tag of $1M, contained many recommendations reflective of the comprehensive province-wide consultation that took place, Bill 64 ignored all those recommendations rendering the review report obsolete the second it was released.  It proposed a wholesale overhaul of public education that would have effectively decimated the public education system in Manitoba as it now exists.  Here's my part two- I'm going with better late than never.😉

Six months later,  and we breathe.  With the bill on hold for now, the focus is on starting a new school year, albeit with the specter of COVID-19 still overhead.  With the announcement this past Friday of the provincial curriculum advisory panel as part of the BEST Strategy, we are right to keep our feet on the gas, to continue to pay attention, to engage, participate, and advocate for what WE know to be 'best' for students, families, and communities where public education is concerned. The BEST Strategy is still alive.

How do I feel?  

I'm grateful for those that took the time to engage. educate, and advocate.  It's been a profound learning experience for many, and an opportunity for students, parents, school staff, teachers and communities to share perspectives and have conversations.  

I'm tired of the thoughtless ill-informed commentary that continues to circulate about so many things related to public education. 

I'm even more committed to doing what I can to ensure a relevant public education system that meets the needs of all students.  Bill 64 showed us what the alternative looks like, and it's not good. 

I'm impatient to get going on a long-term plan informed by the expertise in the system and in stake-holder and partner groups.  

Mindful that one level of elected representation was actively working to eliminate another level of elected representation, I'm none the less eager to build the bridges and have the conversations that ensure a bright future for the young people of Manitoba as they learn and grow. 

I'm indebted to all of you who provided perspective and context on the aspects and implications of Bill 64 that I wasn't able to fully comprehend.

Finally, I really appreciated all who asked for that same perspective and insight into the role of school boards and what the loss of elected community voice would mean for schools and communities. 

Alone, we can do so little; together we can do so much. 

Helen Keller 

My commitment to everyone in the LRSD community

 To the students I have met in person, in stories, and in the sharing of experiences, successes and achievement, who have afforded me profound, impressive and necessary perspective;

 To the parents, guardians and caregivers who have challenged me and taught me;

 To my community, who believed in me enough to allow me to serve you; 

 To the staff and school leaders who have always been welcoming and engaging, who have a depth of commitment to student engagement and success that shines brightly even on the darkest days, who model caring and kindness, and who demonstrate an unwavering belief in the power of community;

 To our senior leadership, who carry the weight of the world on their shoulders on a regular basis, who have demonstrable integrity, grit, and tenacity, and whose bold and creative thinking inspires me every day;

And, To our Superintendent, who meets challenges head on with intent and confidence, while demonstrating compassionate, moral, and visionary leadership, and a strength of purpose that is reassuring and inspiring;

Here is what I want you to know:

My role as a democratically elected trustee and member of the Louis Riel School Board continues and I commit to fulfilling my obligations and remaining accountable until the last second-  whether the decision to be a school trustee is mine or that of someone else.   

This is a journey we take together.

How I really feel....part 1

 

I wasn’t surprised to hear news today of a pending announcement by Manitoba Education Minister Cliff Cullen.  We’ve been waiting for the release of the recommendations of the K-12 review and I was not alone to think that on this sunny March Friday we might finally be able to relax the collective breath we’ve been holding and hear what the future would hold for public education in Manitoba.

Nope. 

Instead we heard an announcement. Of an announcement. To be held the afternoon of Monday March 15.

Afterward, social media exploded with comments, critique, and criticism of a few short minutes that exemplified the complete and utter lack of understanding and empathy of what public education in Manitoba has been like over the last year, never mind the last decade.

To hear that the recommendations were going to put students first made me gag.  What in the blazes do staff, teachers, school leaders, senior administration and school boards do if not consider students first and foremost in every conversation had and decision made? 

Every. Single. Day.

In a follow up interview on CJOB, available here, Manitoba School Boards Association President Alan Campbell referenced a lack of caring and understanding in Minister Cullen’s comments. I agree completely.   Alan then went on to liken today’s announcement of an announcement on Monday to be tantamount to pouring gasoline on the anxiety and stress being felt by students, families, parents, school division communities and the education system as a whole. I agree with this analogy as well.

I’ll save anything more for Monday when I anticipate I’ll be commenting on the removal of locally elected voice, centralized decision making, and the waste of taxpayer dollars in doing both.  Or d) all of the above.

Or, I may be scratching my head, yet again, trying to understand how a government so focused on student outcomes continues to demonstrate an inability to comprehend and then address the impact of poverty on student success.

Or maybe I’ll just tell you how I really feel.

Budgets, bills and Barack.

On Friday Feb 5, the Manitoba Department of  Education announced funding for Manitoba's public schools for the 2021-2022 school year.  On paper, Louis Riel School Division received a 1% increase; some divisions got more, some got less.  When you factor in the 'fine print', equalization and special funding grants, limits set on education property tax increases etc, it's a lot to wrap your head around.  Boards around the province, including the Louis Riel School Board, can finally start to make sense of what it all really mean in terms of the provision of programs, supports, and services for their respective communities as they develop budgets for the upcoming school year.   

If you want it short and sweet, Manitoba School Boards Association (MSBA) summed it up nicely in this tweet. 

For years education stakeholders and partners have been asking for a funding model reflective of public education in the here-and-now. A sustainable and predictable model would allow for planning and forecasting, not just for school divisions, but for rural municipalities and the City of Winnipeg.  There will be many who will be happy to see the promised time come when property tax bills arrive in the mail minus the education portion, but how will that money be replaced? 

As the saying goes, 'there is only one taxpayer'.  

In practically the same sentence in which he announced our funding allocations, Education Minister Cliff Cullen promised the date of release of the long awaited K-12 review report would be made soon.  Government hasn't hidden the fact that it's all about student outcomes. 'Modernizing' education in Manitoba, directed by a bill of the same name (introduced without releasing the contents by the way) appears to be the modus operandi. MSBA President Alan Campbell hit the nail on the head in this tweet. It's all about test scores for our current government, and how Manitoba compares to other provinces.  Here's another bit of perspective (partly copied below);

"When national test scores are adjusted to account for the devastating poverty that too many students experience— a factor that has only worsened as thousands of parents have been laid off or lost their jobs during this heartbreaking pandemic— Manitoba’s students truly stand near the top of the Canadian class. They are not among the “bottom”— if that is indeed an appropriate term to describe any child." Manitoba School Boards Association

If 'modernizing' education doesn't include a direct and sustainable poverty reduction strategy, then all will be for naught and test scores will stay right where they are. 

On several media interviews following the funding announcement,  Campbell reminded us that the K-12 review took place before  COVID-19 unleashed some relentless, unforeseen, and in come cases unmanageable pressures and influences.  Is it fair to release a report, that speculation suggests could realign or see the demise of school divisions in Manitoba, on a system currently stretched to the breaking point? If so, can we count on the report to 'modernize' our education system appropriately, taking into consideration where we are as communities, as we head into a post-pandemic time? 

Lots to think about.  I'm focused on opportunities and what is possible for students when true consultation and collaboration takes place.  The kind that invites expertise, experience and, oh yes, grassroots community voice and leadership. 

I was elected because I believed in what we call "grassroots politics," politics from the bottom up, not the top down.  Barack Obama 

half full or half empty?

On a day when Manitoba has another 84 positive tests for COVID-19 I'm alternately overwhelmed by the news and saddened by an announcement the virus has claimed more lives. I'm also looking forward to a weekend that is framed by being thankful. 

While the pandemic has negatively impacted many traditions and celebrations over the last few months, there is sill so much to be thankful for.  I've not written a list, but I do start each day reminding myself of what I have in my life that brings me peace, joy, contentment and for which I am truly grateful.  Some days it might be my health and that I have purposeful work.  On others it might be for a really great podcast, book, or movie.  On the weekends it is usually related to an awesome bottle of wine, a new trail explored, needed human connection, or some items removed from the 'to do' list. 

Today I am happy that I can sit in the sun that is coming through window and work happily and productively, that I can see endless blue sky, and that there is cheesecake in the fridge.

Have a great weekend. Hang out with the folks that make you smile and laugh and feel good about yourself.  Cultivate kindness.  

When asked if my cup is half full or half empty my only response is that I am thankful I have a cup.  Source unknown.

It's October 1st.

It's October 1st.  Back-to-school 2020 is in the rearview mirror ish.   One month in and buses are running, learning is happening, and the rhythm of the year is almost (almost) predictable in pace, process, and practice.  Yes, there have been bumps, some tough conversations, and hard decisions.  Anyone who thought it would be smooth sailing is delusional.  The collective efforts of many to ensure student success is evident in so many ways.  It's about respectful conversations, being open to hearing you need to do better, celebrating even the small victories, and staying connected and engaged as a community.

It's October 1st. Yesterday was Orange Shirt Day- a time for all of us to pause and reflect on the unkindness's the human race still inflicts on its own.....on the cruelty, injustice, and complete lack of civility we bear witness to every. single. day.  It's also about steps of progress, acts of genuine kindness, and movements that call all of us to action in ways large and small. 

It's October 1st.   30 days until Halloween.  85 to  Christmas.  153 until my birthday (thought I'd sneak that in).  169 until the first day of spring.  

It's October 1st.  International Coffee Day and International Day for the Elderly.  Tomorrow is looking good too-  World Farm Animals Day and Custodial Worker Day (which, if you are a custodian in a school, should be every day IMHO).  

It's October 1st and that means wishing Jimmy Carter and Julie Andrews a happy birthday!!  Happy anniversary to Yosemite National Park which was established on this day in 1890. It's the day in 1932 that Babe Ruth pointed to center-field before hitting a home run and the day in 1962 when Barbra Streisand signed her first recording contract. 

It was on this day in 1986 when Robert Munsch published 'Love You Forever'.

It's October 1st. Be kind to yourself and to others. Revel in small joys and serendipitous findings.  Embrace the LOLs and tell someone how much you appreciate them.  

It's October 1st. 

When a stick is not a stick

It's likely a bit hard to see, however there is a very long and very skinny stick in this photo.  Even before it was picked up off the ground, it was clear it had seen better days; splinters at one end, and some bark missing in several spots.  I'm not sure what value it would normally serve removed from the tree it once belonged to- very spindly, weak, frail and kind of anemic looking.

In the hands of a five-year-old however, this stick found new life.  It started out as a magic wand. Very quickly it was transformed into a sword, protecting the warrior princess from fierce dragons.  Eventually, after an epic battle against the evil queen (that would have been me), victory was a rewarded with a significant amount of gold and jewels.   

So important was this stick to the brief time we had together, that it resides in the back of my car awaiting the next play date- or should I say imagination infused adventure? 

The warrior princess had her very first day of school this week. Not the typical five-year-old, at least in my opinion, this one is sure to bring a whole host of definitive thoughts and bold opinions to her kindergarten class.  She is all at once kind and caring, a bit saucy, and totally outrageous.  At the ripe old age of five she has a firm sense of who she is, clear expectations of just about everyone, and determination and stamina that knows no bounds.  She is captivating, delightful and highly entertaining. 

It's been a crazy couple of months.  Hanging out with this young miss has been both restorative and therapeutic.  There's nothing like channeling your inner child to be reminded of how something as simple as a stick can take you places you really need to go, even as an evil queen. 

It’s the things we play with and the people who help us play that make a great difference in our lives. 

Fred Rogers

Am I a 'Good Ancestor'?

   In the interest of transparency, and for context, let me begin by saying that I retweeted this post without having first listened to the referenced podcast.  After all, if the supt makes a podcast recommendation (especially using the words 'future generations' and 'common good') I've learned it will be worth listening to.  And I'm a fan of Nahla Ayed, so there's that.

For additional context, let me also describe my week as being very long and tiring, not without some frustration, but also filled with reminders of what is good in my life. 

I share this to set the stage for a really wonderful ending to the day and the week, which was a long walk listening to a new podcast series called The Common Good, and the first episode titled The Good Ancestor.  

I figured if I was going endorse it with a RT I should listen to it straight away. You really need to listen to it too. 

In the end, I'm left wondering if the choices I've made and am making, the voices I am trying to engage, the priorities I've defined, the commitments I've made, the way I've encouraged my kids to move through life, the conversations I'm am choosing to be a part of, will leave my corner of the world better off for future generations.  Will I be remembered as an ancestor who had an impact, made a contribution, helped her community grow, flourish, and thrive?

Will we arrive at a point when our leaders consciously and consistently think seven generations ahead in all they do?  Will I live to see Canada with an equivalent to The Future Generations Commissioner for Wales?  When my kids hold their great-grandchild for the first time, will they do so knowing that child has the future they deserve? Is that future citizen being considered in the decisions being made today?  Are the voices of our worlds future being included in the decisions that will impact their lives?

If I'm being honest, the podcast was a great reminder not only of what we are capable of as a community, but what we must be as individuals. I'm also now compelled to read Roman Krznaric's book The Good Ancestor as a way to dig deeper into how I must contribute.

Perhaps it was the beautiful sky as the sun set, perhaps it was walking past a school as I was listening, perhaps it was wanting to be a part of something bigger than me.  Perhaps it was a reminder that what some would consider bold and audacious thinking is commonplace in some areas of the world already, and what I'm inspired to see more off. 

Regardless, it's now time to delete that RT,  and RT with comment.

"We are just this brief moment...who are we to break the great chain of life with our deadly technologies and ecological destructiveness?"

Roman Krzaric