Canada Post Publications Agreement Number: 40609661 Journal The official magazine of the Manitoba Association of School Superintendents Spring 2022 CE LEB RATIN G P U B LIC E D U C A TI O N PART 22 MASS Journal Spring 20224 MASS Journal Spring 2022Manitoba Association of School Superintendents 5 MASS Spring 2022 Volume 23, Number 1 MASS Journal Published For: The Manitoba Association of School Superintendents 900 St. Mary’s Road Winnipeg, Manitoba R2M 3R3 Phone: (204) 219-7059 E-mail: barb.isaak@mass.mb.ca Web: www.mass.mb.ca Published By: Matrix Group Publishing Inc. 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Up Front 6 A Message from the Co-President of MASS / Un message de la coprésidente de la MASS 7 A Message from the Executive Director of MASS / Un message de la directrice générale de la MASS 8 MASS 2022 Executive 9 MASS 2022 Priorities THEME: CELEBRATING PUBLIC EDUCATION, PART 2 Features 10 Democracy at Work 11 Doing What Works: Using Wraparound to Support Students and Families 12 A Model of Continuous Improvement 13 L’école publique : sa raison d’être et ses succès 14 The Heart of the Northern Wilderness 15 Explore, Learn, Live: Creating Community Connections 16 Connecting Classroom and Career 17 Kelsey School Division: A Brief History 18 Moving Forward & Celebrating Lessons Learned 22 Building Fluent Thinkers 24 akihtaso Camp: Learning Math on the Land 25 What’s in a Name? 26 Roving Campus: Building Success through Student Engagement 27 Samsung/Autism Speaks Canada Project 28 Retain, Relinquish, and Revolutionize: Reconsidering Continuous Improvement in Light of the Pandemic 29 Quality Outdoor Physical Education: A Local Focus 30 Learning to Live with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder 31 Raising and Levelling the Bar in Seven Oaks 32 Educational Opportunities and Training Needs 33 Mentorship in Turtle Mountain School Division 34 School are More than Bricks and Mortar 36 150 Years of Learning 38 Index to Advertisers Journal On the cover: The Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 editions of the MASS Journal will provide an opportunity for the province’s 37 school divisions to share their stories and successes. What a wonderful way to celebrate public education, our staff, our students, and our communities! Canada Post Publications Agreement Number: 40609661 Journal The official magazine of the Manitoba Association of School Superintendents Spring 2022 CE LEB RATIN G P U B LIC E D U C A TI O N PART 26 MASS Journal Spring 2022 As you sit down to read the Spring edition of the MASS Journal, our system is in this weird space they call “endemic.” A view into schools shows us changes in place that indicate the pandemic is in its final stages and yet we are still sorting cases of COVID-19 in our school communities. What is evidenced when reading the Journal is that the level of commitment to our students and communities has grown and has been strengthened through- out the pandemic and there are positive learning experiences to celebrate. Literacy, numeracy, and relationships are foundational to the work we do and the Journal continues to provide evidence of this. Land-based math, improving teacher numeracy flu- ency, and the efforts that school division trustees and senior leadership have made to engage with stakeholders to grow reconciliation, improve educational outcomes for students, and to stay focused on the positive when things get tough are all highlights. Support is also a key term we hear in education. One divi- sion will share their journey in developing and implementing a “wrap around” protocol to support families who face com- plicated life situations. Support for school leaders and staff in professional learning and collective efficacy also leads to greater outcomes for students. Roving campuses and provid- ing technology are two other ways to support learners that are highlighted as local divisional initiatives. Out of necessity in the pandemic, some school divisions embraced the outdoors but now, based on the positive impact the outdoor learning spaces had on both the students and staff, learning outdoors continues. Stories will also be shared of the connections between career and technical education and the classroom. Each time a MASS Journal is released, it affirms the innova- tion that occurs in school divisions across Manitoba. Thank you for your daily work in leveling the playing field for our students. Your commitment to the students of Manitoba is evidenced every day and by sharing your stories with us we get an even closer look at the initiatives. Congratulations to Winnipeg School Division on your historic milestone of edu- cating youth for 150 years! To all of you, the system, and more importantly the educational leaders of MASS, thank you. Krista Curry Co-President Alors que vous vous apprêtez à lire le numéro du printemps du MASS Journal, notre système scolaire entre dans un espace étrange appelé « endémie ». Un aperçu de la situation des écoles nous permet de constater des changements qui indiquent que la pandémie en est à ses dernières phases et pourtant, nos communautés scolaires rap- portent toujours des cas de COVID-19. Ce qui ressort de la lecture du Journal, c’est que le niveau d’engagement à l’égard de nos élèves et des communautés a augmenté et s’est renforcé tout au long de la pandémie, et que les expé- riences d’apprentissage positives méritent d’être soulignées. Le Journal continue de fournir la preuve que la littératie, la numératie et les relations sont essentielles au travail que nous accomplissons. Parmi les sujets mis en valeur figurent l’enseignement des mathématiques selon le savoir traditionnel autochtone, l’amélioration des compétences en mathématiques des enseignants et les efforts qu’ont déployés les commissaires et la haute direction des divisions scolaires pour mobiliser les intervenants et les amener à faire progresser la réconciliation, à améliorer les résultats scolaires des élèves et à rester concentrés sur les aspects positifs quand les choses deviennent difficiles. Nous entendons également le terme clé « soutien » dans le secteur de l’éducation. Une division raconte son expérience de l’élaboration et de la mise en œuvre d’un protocole de « services globaux » visant à soutenir les familles qui vivent des situations complexes. Le soutien apporté à la direction et au personnel d’établissements d’apprentissage professionnel ainsi qu’à l’effica- cité collective a aussi mené à de meilleurs résultats pour les élèves. Les campus itinérants et l’offre de services technologiques sont deux autres façons de soutenir les apprenants qui sont présentées comme des initiatives locales des divisions. Par la force des choses dans le contexte de la pandémie, des divisions scolaires ont adopté l’enseignement à l’extérieur qui se poursuit désormais en raison de l’effet positif qu’ont eu les lieux d’apprentissage en plein air sur les élèves et le personnel. Des anecdotes sur les liens qui existent entre carrière, enseignement technique et salle de classe sont également rapportées. Chaque publication du MASS Journal confirme l’innova- tion dont font preuve les divisions scolaires dans l’ensemble du Manitoba. Merci pour votre travail quotidien pour établir des règles de jeu équitables pour nos élèves. Votre engagement envers les élèves du Manitoba est constaté chaque jour et le fait de partager vos histoires avec nous permet d’examiner ces initiatives d’encore plus près. Félicitations à la division scolaire de Winnipeg qui franchit une étape historique : 150 années consacrées à l’éducation des jeunes! Merci à tous et à toutes, au système scolaire, et surtout à la direction de la MASS. Krista Curry Coprésidente A Message from the Co-President of MASS / Un message de la coprésidente de la MASSManitoba Association of School Superintendents 7 The Spring 2022 edition of the MASS Journal continues with the theme of Celebrating Public Education through the eyes of school divisions/ districts in the province. While there have been many challenges throughout the year, the unwav- ering commitment of supporting students in their education has been a priority for members of the Manitoba Association of School Superintendents (MASS). Both the Fall 2021 Journal and this Spring 2022 edition provide a vivid example of the many leadership roles that MASS members provide in the province of Manitoba. The year in review conjures up many images in one’s mind, including the ongoing impact of COVID-19, complete with variants. The opportunity to engage the majority of students in classrooms rather than remotely was positive. The gradual return to comprehensive programming in all subject areas and many more opportunities to celebrate together have been energizing. An increased acknowledgement and understand- ing about the role that schools play in the mental health and wellbeing of young people have provided opportunities to support students and staff in new ways. The MASS Statement of Beliefs in Public Education reminds us that one of the purposes of public education is “to empower each child with the knowledge and skills to live a positive fulfilling life in a manner consistent with acceptance of others and respect for democratic values in a diverse society.” There is no time in recent history where leading with integrity, teaching, and learning about ways in which to support each other have been as important. We all have a role to play. As we move toward the end of the school year the opportunity to reflect and celebrate our collective learning journeys is important. Thank you to each of you for your dedication, leadership, and ongoing commitment to educa- tion in Manitoba. Barb Isaak Executive Director Le numéro du printemps 2022 du MASS Journal poursuit sur le thème Célébrons l’éducation publique du point de vue des divisions et des districts scolaires de la province. Bien que nous ayons été confrontés à de nombreux défis tout au long de l’année, l’en- gagement inébranlable à soutenir les élèves dans leur éducation est demeuré une priorité pour les membres de la Manitoba Association of School Superintendents (MASS). Tant l’édition d’automne 2021 du Journal que celle du printemps 2022 four- nissent des exemples éloquents des nombreux rôles de leadership que remplissent les membres de la MASS au Manitoba. Le bilan de l’année fait surgir à l’esprit de nombreuses images, notamment les répercussions continues de la pandémie de COVID-19, sans oublier les variants. La possibilité d’enseigner à la majorité des élèves dans les salles de classe plutôt qu’à distance a été une bonne chose. Le retour progressif à un programme complet dans toutes les matières et beaucoup d’autres occasions de célébrer ensemble ont eu un effet stimulant. Une reconnaissance et une compréhension accrues du rôle que jouent les écoles dans la santé mentale et le bien-être des jeunes ont donné l’occasion de soutenir autrement les élèves et le personnel. Le « Statement of Beliefs in Public Education » de la MASS nous rappelle que l’un des objectifs que poursuit l’éducation publique est « de donner à chaque enfant les connaissances et les compétences nécessaires pour vivre une vie positive et enrichis- sante d’une manière compatible avec l’acceptation des autres et le respect des valeurs démocratiques dans une société diversifiée ». Jamais dans l’histoire récente il n’a été aussi important de diriger avec intégrité, d’enseigner et de découvrir des façons de se soutenir mutuellement. Nous avons tous un rôle à jouer. À l’approche de la fin de l’année scolaire, il importe de prendre le temps de réfléchir à notre parcours d’apprentissage collectif et de le souligner. Je tiens à vous remercier tous et toutes pour votre dévouement, votre leadership et votre engagement continu envers l’éducation au Manitoba. Barb Isaak Directrice générale A Message from the Executive Director of MASS / Un message de la directrice générale de la MASS8 MASS Journal Spring 2022 MASS 2022 Executive TABLE OFFICERS: Krista Curry, Co-President Superintendent Border Land School Division Tyson Mac Gillivray, North Superintendent Area #3, Frontier School Division Jenness Moffatt, Metro Assistant Superintendent St. James Assiniboia School Division Stephen Ross, South Central Superintendent Western School Division Verland Force, Metro Assistant Superintendent Seven Oaks School Division Stephen David, South West Superintendent/CEO Park West School Division Barb Isaak Executive Director Karen Wohlgemuth Executive Assistant Lisa Boles, Metro Assistant Superintendent Pembina Trails School Division Roza Gray, Southeast Interlake Superintendent/CEO Evergreen School Division Jason Drysdale, Metro Assistant Superintendent River East Transcona School Division René Dequier, At-Large Assistant Superintendent Division scolaire frano- manitobaine (DSFM) Dan Ward, At-Large Superintendent/CEO Mountain View School Division Pauline Clarke, Co-President Chief Superintendent/CEO Winnipeg School Division Christian Michalik, Vice-President Superintendent Louis Riel School Division Jason Young, Treasurer Superintendent Beautiful Plains School Division DIRECTORS: STAFF: Carolyn Cory, Professional Learning Chair Superintendent Southwest Horizon School Division Celia Caetano-Gomes, Metro Superintendent of Education Services Winnipeg School DivisionManitoba Association of School Superintendents 9 MASS 2022 Priorities Mission: MASS provides leadership for public education by advocating in the best interests of learners, and supports its members through professional services. MASS believes that our mandate is to be leaders of learning, in our local school systems and in the broader domains of provincial, national, and global public education. MASS believes a quality education empowers the whole child to constructively participate in global society. We model learning that is: • Active and visible; • Based on robust research; • Tested through purposeful application in the field; and • Evaluated using a wide range of meaningful data. We take responsibility for our own continuous learning and the learning of everyone we lead: • Creating and fostering safe, supportive, inclusive, and challenging environments; • Ensuring essential learning for each and every child; and • Preparing others to go beyond our own learning. We are guided by our learning in shaping policy and practice to achieve what is best for the children in our care. MASS believes that improved achievement and well-being for all of our students requires a shared commitment to raising both equity and quality. • A conscious and persistent commitment to equity, system- wide and across sectors, leads to poverty reduction, greater inclusion, and an appreciation for the riches that diversity brings. • A purposeful and sustained commitment to quality education for every student increases the capacity for teaching, learning, and leading throughout the system. • A strong grounding in literacy and numeracy and a rich learning experience involving inquiry, curiosity, creativity, and artistic expression enables all students to achieve success and to flourish in life, academics, and career. • A respect for and openness to authentic youth voices and support for meaningful student action are critical for building capacity and self-efficacy in our students. MASS actively works towards equity and quality throughout the public education system, with a special focus on three action areas: The Early Learning Committee will take leadership to ensure that MASS: • Advocates for full implementation of the Calls to Action in the MASS position paper on Early Childhood Education. The Indigenous Education Committee will take leadership to ensure that MASS: • Builds capacity in MASS and school divisions to address the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. • Promotes ever increasing academic achievement, graduation, school completion, and positive life outcomes for Indigenous students, informed by collective inquiry into evidence. • Actively supports the teaching of Indigenous perspectives, corrective history and culture, and the use of Indigenous languages. The Mental Health and Well-Being Committee will take leadership to ensure that MASS: • Advocates for an implementation of a comprehensive provincial Children and Youth Mental Health Strategy. • Collaborates with The Education for Sustainable Well- Being Research Group at the University of Manitoba and Manitoba Education and Training to develop tools and indicators for assessing the well-being and well-becoming of students in schools. • Pursues inter-sectoral liaisons with public and mental health organizations and agencies. • Contributes to a national voice on mental health through CASSA and through input into the Canadian Mental Health Strategy. • Promotes Mental Health Literacy in mental health for all educators and pre-service educators. • Sharing of Mental Health & Well-being paper with community and provincial partners.n 1. Early Learning 2. Indigenous Education 3. Mental Health and Well-Being Next >