This week, I am away from our campus at a school in Ontario. I am chairing an accreditation team of a dozen educators drawn from across Canada. It is my duty to offer my services as part of the larger family of independent schools in our national association, CAIS (Canadian Accredited Independent Schools). Every seven years member-schools complete an exhaustive self-evaluation, outlining strengths and areas for improvement in all aspects of a school’s operations. The school is then visited by a team of educational specialists. They investigate and validate the school’s claims, by holding them up to national benchmarks and the latest educational best practices. Why do schools go through such a process?

LCC is a member of this national association of close to 100 independent schools. Through a rigorous accreditation process, each independent school is forced to openly evaluate its core strengths and challenges.  Internally, faculty, staff and board members evaluate and reflect upon the school’s implementation of a dozen key educational standards, from academics and co-curricular life to finance, governance and administrative leadership.

It has been an interesting and challenging week. Our team has met many dedicated faculty and staff while witnessing the daily routines of school life through the lens of a unique learning community. This includes a different local context, unique routines, approaches and special areas of focus. However, the connection between great teachers and the energy and achievement of students is a constant that is impressive when done well, regardless of school setting. I have seen many memorable learning moments this week in students from kindergarten to grade 12. By being at another school I am refreshed by belief in the magic energy of children and their deep desire to learn, develop and emerge. In helping to shape the next generation, I am also reminded that all teachers possess a great privilege.

Sometimes we need to leave our own backyard for such poignant and motivating reminders to have impact. As it is for our students, meaningful growth comes with meaningful experiences. I am pleased I was able to crawl into the skin of another lion. –Chris Shannon, Headmaster