Dear LCC Staff:
In the mid-1980s I started teaching at a very good Canadian independent school. That was the era of “chalk talk” and an expectation that teachers would mostly stand and deliver key content. The chalk and blackboards are gone and the world of education has changed. In fact, it has changed a lot. Yet, the general public and many self-appointed experts haven’t always noticed. I have – and I want to thank you all for adapting, innovating and being difference-makers in the lives of so many young children and adolescents. Whether it’s staff in critical support roles or teachers in the classroom, people working here bring a special professional passion to their jobs. A solid weave of skill, patience, care, and empathy are why so many children feel so comfortable and at home at LCC – even years after graduation.
So since I began working in education, what’s changed in the world of the LCC staff member? In no particular order, here are a few notable things:
iPads, laptops, Assaly Arts Centre, SMART Boards, Chamandy Arena, apps, rubrics, multiple teaching strategies, differentiation, welcoming crossing guards and receptionists, collaboration, LEAD Centre, Internet, character education, electronic academic reports, the cloud, co-curriculars, counselors, brain science, cross-curricular initiatives, debating competitions, environmental sustainability, resilience, helicopter parents, History Night, HIV-AIDS, stick-with-itness, tech bubble, bilinguisme, end of Cold War, teen anxiety, multimedia, LEED standards, globalization, Gestetner machines, multiple intelligences, admissions/business/advancement/IT/communication specialists, Exploratorium de Gaspé Beaubien, wellness, PREP, global citizenship, robotics, learning support, smart phones, “anywhere anytime learning”, email, Foire Équitable, Gulf War I & II, social media, Québec referendum, IT integration, IEP’s, advisors, arts education, faculty interns, YPI, Model UN’s, mindfulness, blogs, LCC Reads, DQ-Destiny Quebec Global Issues Conference, teaming, international student exchanges, Café Cabaret, 9-11, service learning, LCC TV, Innovation Centre, Webster Learning Activity Centre, experiential learning, Grandparents’ Day, turf field, Duke of Edinburgh leadership training, after-school care, open houses, CAIS national standards, QAIS advocacy, Round Square, IB, philanthropy, digital revolution……..
Yes, that’s a lot of change and there’s a lot more. Somehow you’ve all adapted, gained notable expertise and integrated impressive new skills into your professional toolkit at LCC.
What remains constant for our LCC students is the deep dedication of all the adults who work here. Our staff embodies the timeless values that are our foundations: respect/empathy, passion/excellence, collaboration/communication, professionalism, and a commitment to continuous growth. You build daily on these foundations to enhance the lives of children, girls and boys of all ages, no matter what their background or emotional mindset. Many of you might not even know how much you earn – but when it comes to our students, you should be very proud of how much you make, build, inspire, support, direct and guide. In today’s glossy world that’s truly special and meaningful. You’re amazing!
Thank you for making a difference in so many young lives!
With respect and appreciation,
Christopher Shannon
Headmaster