I just wanted to thank you for your work with our staff on Monday during our professional learning time. During the coffee break, I had contacted two of my admin colleagues from other schools and indicated that you and your message was the right thing at the right time. They may be in touch with you in the near future.
Your playful spirit of delivery addressed our own mental health concerns at present as everyone deals with the day to day fatigue of responses to living in a global pandemic. It was great to laugh as a team. Your guidance on protocol and medicines was also perfect in that we are, for the first time, delivering a Cree Language class to kindergarten, with anticipation of growing that program to other grades in years to come. The message of meeting students where they are at hits home in we see so many kids that are struggling to deal with what we offer especially after a 6-7 month hiatus from in-class learning. The artificial timeline of milestones is too confining and not allowing personal growth in the space that they need. As a group, our staff wrestles with needs of learners and demands of our Ministry of Ed. It was reassuring to see and hear proof of success all in good time.
Last week was...amazing; two pro-d sessions and four classroom presentations. I had no idea how my life as a conference/classroom presenter would turn out and frankly I am still not sure where things are headed.
The virus is as dangerous today it has ever been. Things are not apt to change for some time and even when they do, the world will forever be changed. We have all learned. Even those who resist safety measures are learning.
In my work, my priority and passion lies in Indigenous Values and teachings. Truth and Reconciliation is another reality that is not going away. Dealing with the T&R Recommendations is intimidating to teachers, administrators and boards. If approached from a respectful, informed place, we can achieve what we should have years ago.
This is my passion and the essence of many of my presentations.
I also continue to promote reading and offer suggestions for boards, staffs and teachers on how to get schools and students reading.
And finally, in all I do, I speak to mental health and Individual gifts. These two important topics permiate all we do...all we are!
This is a link to booking me. Thanks - group hug -
http://davidbouchard.com/speaking/fees
