If you build it, they will come, or more accurately in the case at Tom Baines School, if they build it, they will come. This year, some Grade 8 students have been exploring the world of programming, 3D design, and robotics through one of their complementary courses.

The year began with much excitement and hesitancy from the students, and me, as we investigated these domains. New equipment such as Mindstorms EV3s and a Robo3D printer forced us to constantly reflect, learn, and relearn as we worked together to plan, design, and create.

When the course started, I had no intention of running it as a flipped classroom, and although it never truly evolved into this, to my delight the students took their learning home and expanded upon it. They developed new skills and knowledge with help of online content, experts, and sometimes, parental support. More importantly though they shared this learning with their peers and me. I ended up becoming a student in my own class as my students taught me much more than I could them.

This, in turn, spread to other classes as the students took their learning there and applied their new skills to new situations showcasing their learning in those areas too. Encouraged by this, students not in my class were coming to me to use the equipment too.

However, the coolest part for me was when I had students I did not teach coming up to me asking me what I was planning for next year and how excited they were to take the class. More amazing learning will take place next year as I will be moving classrooms and setting up the Tom Baines Maker Space in the former Industrial Arts room.

Jeremy Lang (mrlang.ca and @JPLL8) is a new father, tinkerer, techno-geek wannabe, future Maker, and a self proclaimed introverted extrovert.

The end of the school year is always a time of reflection.  It gives us an opportunity to look back and say what went well, what didn’t and what do we need to work on.  This year is no different as May and June have been a flurry of activity with graduations, year-end celebrations, and partner events.  The common element though has been students, a reminder to all of us of what is really important. 

Education is the core of our work and our values are the fundamental beliefs in which guide our work at the Calgary Board of Education.  Putting students first, knowing that learning is our central purpose and that public education serves the common good, provides focus for each one of us regardless of our role.  Because the cool thing is, we all have a part to play in public education and we are all in this together. 

From the dedicated staff in facilities who ensure safe and caring schools, some of whom have been with CBE for over 35 years (WOW), to our kind lunch room supervisors and our caring education assistants who support our students, to our specialists in planning, transportation, Human Resources and Technology who without their support our massive organization may just grind to a halt.  All these folks work tirelessly to ultimately support the work of our teachers and here is what I know; teachers are a rare breed.  They are hardworking, selfless, caring, role models to our students who put in countless hours to ensure that our students are engaged and successful.

However all of this would not be possible without our partners, over 350 corporate and non-profits who provide programs, services, supports and financial aid because they also care about student success and  making this world a better place.

Everyone has a stake in Public education and the stakes are high, as we strive to meet the demands in an ever changing world.  Dealing with change, difficult decisions that result from change and often scrutiny can be stressful and demoralizing for those intimately involved in education who have devoted their lives work to making this world a little better.  But here is the thing, we are all human and sometimes we make mistakes and we need to learn from those mistakes so that we can be better for our students and that is why we need to reflect.

CBE 182 has given our staff, students, parents and stakeholders an opportunity to share the great work that is happening each and every day in our school.  We are able to hold our heads a little higher and to showcase to the world that at the Calgary Board of Education we are determined, resilient and committed to student success. 

To everyone who is involved at the Calgary Board of Education, Congratulations for a great year, Thank you to each and every one who contributes to our organization and hears to moving forward together.

Joy Bowen-Eyre ( @JoyBoweneyre and  Joybowen-eyre.ca ) is Trustee Wards 1 & 2 with the Calgary Board of Education.  She loves running and traveling and is the proud mum of 3 #yyCBE students.

Last week I took our grade six students to outdoor camp.  Every year I look forward to this week away from the classroom because I get a chance to interact with my students in an entirely different environment full of teachable moments, where I am the student and my class becomes the teachers. 

On day three of the camp my students had the opportunity to attempt traversing a climbing wall.  Everyone was excited, but as arms tired and feet slipped it became apparent that the wall was tougher than anyone had anticipated.  What happened next inspired me and taught me a lesson I will not soon forget.  

Instead of complaining, or quitting each student that slipped off the wall went back to the start to try again.  Those students that made it all the way across cheered on the rest, or walked beside their classmates that were still on the wall providing pointers and tips for tricky sections. Not everyone made it all the way across the wall but every student pushed to go further than their last attempt. As we donned our daypacks and left the wall behind us every student was laughing, smiling and celebrating their accomplishments.

So what lesson did I learn? As I watched the boys traverse the wall I realized (not for the first time) that these boys are fearless and willing to try anything. To reach my full potential as their teacher I need to also be fearless and willing to try anything. 

Dan Pye (@dcpye) teaches Gr. 5/6 at the All Boys Program. He’s passionate about empowering his students to create and collaborate.