Travel: The Greatest Teacher

Posted on March 26, 2015 by admin

“Travel,” wrote Mark Twain, “is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness”. Even ancient thinkers realized the value of travel as the best way to build respect for others and identify the inherent value of cultural difference. Theologian and philosopher St. Augustine stated in the 4^th century that: “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”

Indeed, travel Is about experience. It doesn’t just help one to imagine a place – it is about feeling a place, it’s culture and rhythms. Inherently, this challenges norms and routines and broadens perspectives and one’s limited understanding of the world.

Travel allows people to visit places of heritage, historical significance, places with unique cultures vastly different from one’s own. The impact of experiences lived abroad can be very lasting.

At the time of a journey, one is caught up in the immediacy of doing – it’s only afterward that one has a chance to interpret it, put it into a greater context, and fully appreciate it.

So many of our students were fortunate to travel over the recent March Break. In the process, every student who went away had a unique opportunity to learn and grow. The school organized three memorable trips.

Fifty-five (55) members of the LCC Senior Band journeyed to Cuba. They were able to perform in a unique setting and gained a better appreciation of Cuban culture, the country’s communist political system, and the deeply alluring Latin rhythms engrained in Cuban life. Our music teachers are very well travelled and they rank this trip among the very best they have ever participated in with a group of music students. They were proud of our students!

Our Senior Hockey team went on its bi-annual trip to Europe – this year to Croatia, Slovenia and Italy. Coach LLano has long said that each and every one of these journeys is more of an opportunity to expose students to old-world cultures than about simply competing to win on the rink. Yes, the hockey was fun and went well, but the boys gained important exposure to new cultures and communities and they each have many lasting memories.

This year’s Duke of Edinburgh Gold Trip took more than twenty students to beautiful Morocco in West Africa. The group gained insights into Arab culture, visited the mysterious “Souks” of Fez and Marrakesh, and trekked the beautiful snow-covered Atlas mountains. Faculty leaders Mr. Salkeld, Ms. Owen and Monsieur Maurice were very proud to travel with our students – many of whom had to physically push themselves hard while on the multi-day hike in the mountains. So much was learned while away.

At Tuesday’s assembly I asked each of our students who was fortunate to go away on the break to be sure to think and reflect on what was seen and experienced. The many memorable experiences will take awhile to sink in.

Regarding the importance of travel, Mark Twain also said:

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by what you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

I agree with Twain. Travel is the greatest teacher – a wise and savvy teacher. We want our students to open their eyes, hearts and perspectives though meaningful experiences. These are critical to their personal growth and development. – Chris Shannon, Headmaster

Joyde

Posted on February 10, 2015 by admin

Last week, Quebec Education Minister Yves Bolduc was forced to comment on a comprehensive report from the University of Laval that was very critical of a decade of significant educational reform here in Quebec. Quebec is not alone in attempting changes in educational approaches; these have been implemented across most of the western world in recent years. All nations have attempted to shift away from old-world priorities: memorization, drill & kill (interest), and a “one-size fits all” mentality. Today we stress more relevant 21^st century skills—the nurturing of creativity, collaboration, problem solving, IT integration and resilience—so students can better navigate a rapidly changing world.

Unfortunately, after 10 years the evidence on Quebec student performance has not been impressive. In fact, in mathematics and mother-tongue French, scores have slipped, while Quebec continues to wrestle with one of the highest high school dropout rates in North America—still entrenched at a rather shocking 25%—and even higher in some regions.

Although there are clearly some serious issues in Quebec, we need not see ourselves in the same light at LCC. Here we enrich and aim higher than base standards, and that approach has actually served us very well over the past decade. Our academic results are very solid, and I continue to be impressed by both faculty innovation and student achievement.

So let me present my LCC Top Ten “Joyde” List. What’s Joyde? Well, it’s my own word. Joyde is the intersection of “joy” and “pride”. Despite the negative media portrayal of student performance, I believe there is still plenty of room for joy in learning—and pride still matters a great deal at LCC. I wander our halls a lot and see activities and initiatives from K-12 that reflect genuine Joyde.

As a testimony to the much-loved Top Ten List that is so popular in our culture, in no particular order, here are 10 examples that is alive and well at LCC:

1. Kindergarten

This programme is a serious “cuteathon”. Our class sizes are very small—and by November the flexible and malleable minds of our youngest students allow them to already understand and express themselves in French in a surprisingly competent way.

2. Faculty Growth

For many years behind the scenes our teachers have worked hard at developing and enhancing specific aspects of their teaching. This takes time, effort, thoughtful reflection and collaboration. Most recently this has been further enhanced by the introduction of the IB Diploma and IB training seminars, as well as all-faculty PLC mornings for teacher collaboration. Many impressive achievements have emerged from focused teacher reflection and collaboration.

3. EF – Executive Functioning & Positive Mindset

Several years ago as a result of some Faculty Growth initiatives, a group of Middle School teachers worked to develop a program in EF skill development that we could reinforce throughout Middle School and beyond. It begins with an understanding of “metacognition” —how to learn best—and development of a positive mindset so students can be resilient and overcome obstacles in learning. Now, twice a year an EF Report Card goes home to Middle School students/parents. This is very helpful in making learning more meaningful.

4. Committed & Service-oriented Staff

Non-teaching staff are key to student success at LCC. We try hard to hire for attitude in addition to skills. From our front reception to our nurses, part-time coaches, to maintenance and security staff, these are positive and committed people who make a positive difference in students’ lives every day. Whether clearing the snow, welcoming students when late, helping to coordinate pizza lunches, mopping up bloody noses, and repairing our facilities, these roles are critical for success in our learning community.

5. STEM Engagement & IT Integration

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math. It’s an area where North Americans fear we are falling behind compared to challengers in Asia and parts of Europe. LCC Teachers respond with cool science labs, robotics, real-world math initiatives, Grade 9 CSI day, IB science & math. Our teachers are energetic and creative. From the Junior School Science Exploratorium to the Senior Schools classes, labs, and workrooms, our talented science, math & IT teachers do not tolerate anything less than excellence in STEM.

6. Internationalism & Global Perspectives

As a Round Square & IB school, we are firmly committed to opening students’ eyes to the world and helping them embrace “the other”, people culturally different from themselves. Whether it’s specific courses, international exchanges, international students, service projects, Duke of Edinburgh leadership activities, or the connectivity of our digitally-connected classrooms, LCC students have more meaningful opportunities to learn about the world than any school in this city.

7. Co-Curricular integration: Athletics, Arts, Leadership, Service (Non Nobis Solum)

Athletics, plays, bands, leadership and service opportunities are too numerous to mention. But these activities bind students together, help them gain skills, grow and emerge as young adults. These are often the most engaging and memorable experiences of our students’ high school years.

8. Bilinguisme

Ici au Québec c’est esséntial de parler francais. Le Français n’est pas seulement une deuxième langue, mais c’est aussi la connaissance d’une culture. Ça peut assister nos étudiants d’etre plus ouvert à la connaissance de plusieurs cultures.

9. LEAD – Learning Enrichment And Development

Our unique LEAD Team and LEAD programmes are designed to help all students be empowered as learners, and develop the skills and confidence to allow their true potential to emerge. We have learned more about learning and the brain in the past decade than in all prior history. Today we are applying the research and LEAD teachers are proactively changing lives.

10. Volunteerism (Parents, Alumni, Community)

Much of what we do well at LCC is well supported by parent and alumni volunteers who help with special events, staff our Board and Board committees. They also offer generous philanthropic support that has helped to build our outstanding campus and finance bursaries and scholarships that provide for so many unique opportunities.

So I am genuinely sorry Mr. Bolduc has problems on his hands with the broad state of education in Quebec. But here at LCC we take nothing for granted and “joyde”—both joy and pride combined —are alive and well. All things considered, we should be very proud. —Chris Shannon, Headmaster

The Cuban Shuffle

Posted on February 4, 2015 by admin

In a few weeks an LCC delegation of 60 student-musicians and teachers will visit Cuba to perform as a band and experience some of the Latin rhythms that make that island famous. Many LCC families have visited Cuba before, but likely as part of a winter vacation package where the real Cuba does not come clearly into view.

To many people’s surprise, On December 17^th, American President Obama announced that the USA and Cuba would begin to resume diplomatic relations after more than 50 years of an American boycott that cut off all diplomatic and economic relations. This was implemented following the Cuban Communist revolution led by Fidel Castro in 1959.

The Castro brothers – Fidel & Raul – have been the only Cuban presidents during more than 50 years of one-party rule, outlasting 10 American presidents. The long-standing US trade embargo is still in place and Cuba has suffered especially since special economic support from the formerly-communist Soviet Union disappeared when that country collapsed and unraveled in the early 1990’s. Today the average Cuban’s monthly salary is still only $20 – virtual slave wages by Canadian standards.

Winding down the American embargo will be difficult after so many years of entrenchment. However, it is the first step in fundamentally changing the relationship between the two countries which geographically, are close neighbours, and which used to be very tightly intertwined.

But memories are long and six-thousand Americans have filed for monetary compensation following loss of assets due to Cuba’s nationalization of all private companies back in the early 1960’s. The Cubans themselves have also filed for monetary compensation from the American government for allegedly strangling economic growth in Cuba over more than two generations. And they want cash to make up for it. So we should be prepared to see more heated discussions before relations are truly smoothed over. In the meantime, the Castro regime remains firmly in power and there is no indication that Cuba’s form of national state-controlled Communism is going to disappear.

Until December, the Obama deal was a well-kept secret, and it is actually seen by some Cuban-Americans and conservative Republican party “hawks” as a betrayal of US principles – that the government should simply never negotiate with a communist regime that disallows private businesses or the fundamental right of free speech.

Cuban-American senator Ted Cruz wrote that the move “may well strengthen the Castros and strengthen a new generation of their oppressors in power unless USA’s Congress steps in to stop it”. His Republican colleague from Florida, Senator Mark Rubio, is also sour on the deal. Considered a possible presidential candidate for the 2016 election, he recently stated that the “policy shift is based on an illusion – the White House has conceded everything and gained little”.

President Obama has described the relationship between the nations as one of “family and foe” that needed a new script. Obama takes the view that more than 50 years of boycott have not really changed much, other than entrenching mutual isolation, so he intends to be proactive. Getting this initial deal was hard enough, requiring a year of secret talks and special assistance from Pope Francis. Intentions are to see restrictions loosened on trade, travel and diplomacy and American Foreign Secretary John Kerry, will try to reestablish an American embassy in Havana. Kerry will also review and hopefully ease Cuba’s status in America as a state-sponsor of terrorism, as it is currently categorized along with countries in the so-called “axis of evil”, like North Korea, Iran, and Syria.

Cuban Americans will be allowed to send more cash home to family. Already at $2 billion a year, that flow of funds is critical to the Cuban economy – and the Cuban emigrés will soon find it easier to visit the island nation just 145 KMs off the Florida coast.

Rapprochement by the USA has been opposed for decades, especially given the fear of upsetting the Cuban-American voting bloc in Florida. However, polls in 2014 showed that 68% are now interested in a softer approach and that grows to a notable 88% for those Cuban-Americans under 30-years old.

Initial responses indicate that the shift should improve US standing in the broader Latin America region. In December in Havana, bells tolled in public squares and people were visibly celebrating. Although there are lots of cool old Chevy’s on Havana’s streets from the 1940’s and 50’s, this move is finally about looking to the future.

So, we need to remember that Cuba is not just a winter escape. Its people may be on the doorstep of significant social and economic change. I wish our LCC musicians well as they prepare for their trip to Cuba. I hope that they will return and provide us with some interesting insights into how the Cubans view the proposed easing of tensions with the United States and what they hope for in the near future. The Cuban shuffle –change is indeed in the air! – Christopher Shannon, Headmaster

Peace Dividend

Posted on January 21, 2015 by admin

The world’s attention has recently been focused on acts of violence in France, Nigeria and the Middle East. These all warrant thought, research and discussion by students and teachers at our school. However, on a more base level I would like to address the fact that violent crimes abroad and at home seem to dominate our digital media. A stream of violent images sometimes contributes to the general sentiment that violence is growing all around us and that we are personally threatened and should be afraid. Is that true? Not at all! In fact, nothing could be further from the truth.

In 2012, Harvard psychology professor Steven Pinker published a book that received a lot of attention. In “The Better Angels of our Nature: Why Violence has Declined”, Pinker shows that most Americans (and probably Canadians) do not realize that violence has actually declined historically—and we may now be living in the most peaceful era in history. But given the way the mass media portrays our world, you certainly wouldn’t know it.

The evidence reveals that there is actually less violence at all levels: amongst families, neighbourhoods, regions, and across nations. Pinker argues that nearly seven full decades of decline in violence in the Western world since the end of WWII, affirms the benefits of modern civilization. He points to four main pacifying factors. They include the following:

1. The rise of national governments with a monopoly on the legitimate use of force and the capacity to penalize aggression – a key calming effect.

2. The rise of international commerce – and the evidence that countries that trade with each other are more inclined to cooperate and much less likely to cross swords.

3. The female factor – that violence tends to be a mostly male pastime and growing respect for and influence of women has indeed benefited us all.

4. Rise of cosmopolitanism – the collective impact of broader literacy, mobility/travel and mass media. In recent years, massive numbers of people have connected with others around the world as never before. Consequently, people empathize with and respect differences in others more and more. This has significantly expanded what Pinker calls our “circles of sympathy”.

I am intrigued by the picture Stephen Pinker paints. His work is drawn from data that is readily available – but still, too many daily images in our mass media would still have you feel otherwise – that we live in an increasingly dangerous and violent time.

Is there further evidence on declining levels of crime beyond Stephen Pinker’s broad analysis that spans several hundred years? The answer is yes, and here too the data is significant.

At the end of 2014, Statistics Canada published a report showing that violent crime in Canada is now at its lowest level since the early 1960’s. What Stats Canada calls the CSI – Crime Severity Index, shows that the volume and severity of crime was 36 per cent lower in 2013 than only a decade earlier – more than one-third lower! In fact, the Canadian national crime rate has been on a consistent downward slide since the early 1990s, reaching its lowest level last year since 1969.

So on the broad question of violent crime here in Canada, we should not be naïve and believe it doesn’t exist, but nor should we succumb to the media tableau of violence and mayhem around every corner. Instead, let’s be rational and believe the data – the evidence and not the media hype. My concern is that a continuous stream of violent images can cause a lot of unnecessary fear and anxiety in young people.

In this context, let’s show affinity for all who have recently suffered in Paris and in northern Nigeria, the Middle East and elsewhere. However, let’s also celebrate living in a very peaceful country and during a period of some of the lowest crime rates in our country’s history. Let’s hope for a continued peace dividend. – Chris Shannon, Headmaster

The Coed Advantage

Posted on January 7, 2015 by admin

So what is the coed advantage? It’s everywhere at LCC, but it was certainly on display this morning at our Middle and Senior School assembly. A group of girls and boys collaborated to lead several presentations on the sensitive topic of feminism and gender issues. It was exactly the kind of activity that underscores the benefits of having girls and boys together in a constructive learning environment.

The assembly reinforced my belief that the best way to expand student horizons is through active engagement. The coed advantage reinforces key principles: promotion of equality, exposure to diverse perspectives, learning excellence for all, and the development of healthy and respectful friendships. Today’s activity was a special example of boys and girls collaborating and learning together with a focus on mutual respect.

The students explored myths about feminism and facts and assertions around gender issues. They did so in a creative and confident manner. That was not a surprise to me, but it was certainly impressive.

As educators we have a special responsibility to model equity and promote open dialogue and equal opportunities in students’ learning. That’s why I believe a coed learning environment is the best place to learn, explore and develop. — Chris Shannon, Headmaster