It’s that time of year again, spring, a time of renewal and rebirth. We get to watch the flowers blossoming and green grass return to our parks. With all of this happening, I recently found myself witnessing a rather amusing spring-themed scene: a parent was faced with the challenge of explaining to their young child…
Teacher Spotlight: Kiera Pennell
Introduce yourself using three words only, please. Kiwi, PE teacher. What would you be if you weren’t a teacher? A builder. Why did you decide to become a teacher? For how long have you worked in education? Fast approaching the 10 year mark… I wanted to become a PE teacher because that was my favorite…
Teacher Spotlight: Yasmeen Pelayo
We continue our rubric with Yasmeen Pelayo, our Kindergarten teacher. Introduce yourself using three words only, please. Risk-taker, Foodie, Joyful What’s something most people may not know about you? I can speak four languages. Why did you decide to become a teacher? For how long have you worked in education? I have been in education…
On Educating the Whole Child
“By education I mean an all-round drawing out of the best in the child and man; body, mind and spirit.” -Mahatma Gandhi On Friday, February 16, I had the pleasure of going to Patches Blues Bar to see/hear the AAS staff band, the Edumacators. I don’t get out much, so it was a treat to…
Fathers: We Impact the Future for Our Sons & Daughters
By Dr. Matt Horne, Elementary School Principal There are many different approaches to being a man in 2024, and many different ways to be a father. Some of us men follow traditional models of masculinity that we learned, such as endorsing risky behavior and asserting dominance. Others of us follow more progressive approaches, such…
Teacher Spotlight: Brenda Costello
We are re-starting our ‘Spotlight’ section with Mrs. Brenda Costello, Gr. 5A Teacher Introduce yourself using three words only, please. Intuitive, Creative, Empathetic What’s something most people may not know about you? I have lots of ridiculous stories! Most people don’t know that I was once picked up by an elephant at a zoo by…
Mimoza Aranitasi: ‘I Keep Using What I Learned at AAS in My Studies and Career’
Every time I think about how it’s already been almost 4 years since I graduated from AAS, I cannot believe how quickly the time has passed. As I look back at my time in AAS, I can’t help but think about times when alumni came to visit before I graduated, and realized how right they…
January Blues
Preventing Child Suicide: Signs and Symptoms to Look For Have you ever heard of Blue Monday? After the holidays, many people can feel depressed or sad, and the third Monday in January (Blue Monday) is supposedly the most depressing day of the year. I can’t verify whether or not this is true for everyone, but…
Wicked Range
Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life The most interesting people I know Didn’t know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don’t Back in 1997, these lyrics jumped out at me. Buried in the…
Success Is a Journey, Not a Destination
“If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.” – Maya Angelou Happy New Year! I hope that you had a pleasant holiday with plenty of warm family time. As we begin 2024, I have been thinking about success. Success can take many forms. On Monday, January 8,…
Together in the Digital Age
How Parents Can Lead by Example in Family Screen Time As we navigate the digital age’s complexities, parents’ vital yet often overlooked role in modelling proper technology use becomes apparent. This role gains importance during family times, as our engagement choices influence our children’s digital habits. Like a small act of cultural creation, each decision…
Beyond Black-and-White: Fostering Emotional Intelligence through Both-And Thinking
Almost every day as a principal, I find myself having conversations about big and real emotions. Maybe you have also heard statements like these: “I’m worried my friend is mad at me; our friendship is over.” “I’m frustrated I don’t understand this homework; I’ll never get it.” “I’m stressed about this project; I can’t handle…
