As we close one semester and begin to start a second, we head west towards the rocky mountains. Taking a deep breath, we look up from our work at Robert Thirsk High School and look up to the mountains at the Shaping the Future Conference 2015. It is an exciting time to be in emersed in implementing the principles of high school redesign. At the same time I wonder how the work of wellness fits with the principles? I seek to find connections between the work as too often, I have to admit, wellness seems to be a dreaded “add on”. I feel certain that incorporating high school wellness at RTHS can’t be about me taking on more work (if for no other reason than my personal wellness can’t possibly take it!). But how do we weave wellness into the fabric of our culture? To what end? What is the impact?
The setting and speakers are inspiring. The messages and fresh air “wellness break” walking around the paths of the village fill my soul. The food is delicious and the company is great. But, where are the connections to our deeper work? I join a session titled Embedding Wellness in all Subject Areas. Could this be it?
In a hands on workshop I spend two fast hours engaged in rich discussions with my team and other colleagues. We are asked to connect the Wellness Program of Studies and the competencies. We take turns reading out a random outcome and we match the outcome with a competency. I learn about the difference between intrapersonal, interpersonal and cognitive competencies and I see the ten competencies in a new way. I hear the word “Transdisciplinary Learning”. Transdisciplinary learning - connections between the disciplines and BEYOND the disciplines. And just like that, I see the connections in our work. Focusing on comprehensive school wellness, in a transdisciplinary way, not as an “add on” will allow our staff and students to thrive in a deeper and authentic manner.
Grounding myself in learning, unifying our vision with Inspiring Education outcome/competency based assessment solidified my sense of purpose. We are grateful for the Wellness Grant, Nadeen Halls support and the opportunity to gain a deeper sense of the role of comprehensive school health can be woven into my work as we move forward in high school redesign. Bring on semester two...here we go!
Jennifer Edmondson-Neily is the Learning Leader of the Success Centre, at Robert Thirsk High School. The Success Centre at RTHS strives to wrap around students in strength-based ways to help them find success with personal development, wellness, career exploration and academic programming.
The setting and speakers are inspiring. The messages and fresh air “wellness break” walking around the paths of the village fill my soul. The food is delicious and the company is great. But, where are the connections to our deeper work? I join a session titled Embedding Wellness in all Subject Areas. Could this be it?
In a hands on workshop I spend two fast hours engaged in rich discussions with my team and other colleagues. We are asked to connect the Wellness Program of Studies and the competencies. We take turns reading out a random outcome and we match the outcome with a competency. I learn about the difference between intrapersonal, interpersonal and cognitive competencies and I see the ten competencies in a new way. I hear the word “Transdisciplinary Learning”. Transdisciplinary learning - connections between the disciplines and BEYOND the disciplines. And just like that, I see the connections in our work. Focusing on comprehensive school wellness, in a transdisciplinary way, not as an “add on” will allow our staff and students to thrive in a deeper and authentic manner.
Grounding myself in learning, unifying our vision with Inspiring Education outcome/competency based assessment solidified my sense of purpose. We are grateful for the Wellness Grant, Nadeen Halls support and the opportunity to gain a deeper sense of the role of comprehensive school health can be woven into my work as we move forward in high school redesign. Bring on semester two...here we go!
Jennifer Edmondson-Neily is the Learning Leader of the Success Centre, at Robert Thirsk High School. The Success Centre at RTHS strives to wrap around students in strength-based ways to help them find success with personal development, wellness, career exploration and academic programming.
RSS Feed
