superchat booklet

CTR SUPERINTENDENTS IN
CONVERSATION WITH TEACHERS
Superchat
2015-2016
Dr. Scott
Morrison
Dr. Bonnie
Annicchiarico
Mr. Gary
Chiste
Mr. Michael
Kilcommons
~ page 2 ~
From September 25, 2015-June 6, 2016 the four
CTR superintendents hosted school consultations with
teachers and staff across our school district. More
than 510 staff participated. The conversations were
documented. Emerging from those conversations
are a number of common divisional themes. What
follows are what we, as CTR schools, have in common.
Although we are many schools (17) we are ONE, and
that is so clear in your comments and dialogue. As the
year draws to a close, we celebrate our school district,
the schools within it, and the people who make
Catholic education real.
~ Thank you
~ page 3 ~
What does it
mean to be a
CATHOLIC
TEACHER?
• We see teaching as a vocation
*Catholic education is a calling.
*God had a plan for our lives. We say to ourselves, “How did I end up here?”
*There is power and peace in belonging to something bigger than ourselves
• Prayer is at the heart of it all: daily prayer with our staff and our students
*Intentions give us a glimpse into the lives of our students and colleagues
*We can ask for God’s grace
*We can celebrate the sacraments with our students
• We are witnesses for Christ. We learn to walk the talk.
*We can share our life lessons with our students
*We can and are evangelizing
*We’re constantly working to grow in faith as we can’t give what we don’t have.
*We bring prayer into extra-curricular and all aspects of school life
• We can be authentic. We can be our true selves.
*We have freedom!
*We can express our faith in every subject area. Permeation is authentic.
*We’re more willing to be open and vulnerable. We’re in a safe and caring culture.
*We can celebrate Christmas!
• We are on a journey---an invitational journey—and we’re growing in our own faith every day.
*We have role models around us that inspire us to be better.
*Opportunities such as Faith Days enrich our faith lives
*Bible study and Lectio Divina deepen our faith
• We are visible in our parish.
*Our students love seeing us at Church. We’re actually celebrities!
*We are impacting families.
*We have an agreement with parents and we don’t shy away from it
~ page 4 ~
• We see the world through Catholic eyes
*We have JOY!
*Rituals, traditions and routines are powerful for us and our students
*We have a common language.
*Values, morals and virtues are central to our teaching
*We discipline our students in faith with Jesus as our model
*We work in a sacred space. The physical environment is rich with symbolism.
• Love is at our core
*Our students know they have an eternal destiny and that they are loved.
*We can give our students a hug. We show affection.
*We are more than a community. We’re a family. We’re not alone.
*Service is central to us.
*We learn to trust God and to teach our children the same.
*We work in inclusive, accepting environments
• We teach in schools of hope.
*We can respond in faith and love to tragic events. We can’t control the difficulties in life; but we can respond in
faith.
*We are forgiving.
*Our goal is to get our students to heaven
*Without faith there is no hope
My family has noticed a change in me since working in a Catholic school. Teacher, Our Lady of the Snows
We’re bound together in faith. Teacher, École Good Shepherd School
It’s not about us; it’s about serving others. Teacher, École Good Shepherd School
Our faith carries us. Teacher, École Good Shepherd School
God leads our teaching. Teacher, Clear Water Academy
I am blessed to start my day in front of Jesus. Teacher, Clear Water Academy
I actually feel freer now. Teacher, Clear Water Academy
We have the privilege and responsibility to look at the students through a lens of love---teaching them as
children of God. Teacher, Clear Water Academy
We are seekers and transmitters of truth—unapologetically. Teacher, Brooks
Sometimes the only place kids meet Christ is in school. Teacher, St Anthony’s
I met Jesus here. I was brought to my knees and transformed. Teacher, Brooks
~ page 5 ~
What aspects of
LEARNING are
you most excited
by and WHY?
• Our District Level initiatives provide quality learning.
*They are research based
*We are focused on core values
*Decisions are thoughtful and investments follow.
*They honor what is working well.
*Professional learning is supported by visits from administrators
*Our superintendents and senior admin lead through example
*Master teachers are leading PD
*An invitational —“Come if you want”— makes for better participation and ownership
*Learning is rooted in “What’s good for kids?”
• Literacy is our pride!
*All of our initiatives such as Enhanced Reading and Early Reading Intervention, have had huge impacts on our
students
• Reading and Writing Workshop are powerful.
*Teachers have been “re-invigorated”
*We are having thoughtful conversations about literacy
*We love embedded daily reading
*Conferring is so powerful
*Kids can’t wait to share!
*Classroom Libraries are thriving and growing.
*We have evidence that student comprehension and ability has improved
• Catholic Learning Communities (CLC) build collegial relationships
*A team approach to learning is foundational to CTR.
*Strategies and resources have been developed through the process
• Teacher Orientation sets new teachers up for success.
*Mentors and mentorship time are critical
• ELL Instruction has received focused attention.
*Significant PD has enhanced ELL knowledge and instruction
*SIOP is gaining traction and improving learning
~ page 6 ~
• Academic Rigor is our foundation.
*We have high expectations for our students and ourselves
*We have PAT and Diploma results that we are proud of
• Teachers are leading across our district
*We are a community of passionate teachers
*CTR teachers are presenting at ATA Palliser Convention
*Teacher buy in is huge!
*Teachers are taking risks
• Learning Support takes care of ALL our kids.
*Our Learning Support teachers rock!
*Our Educational Assistants make a difference.
*PUF (early intervention) is critical
*Communications rooms are effective
• Student Centered Learning is becoming the norm
*We provide choice, flexibility, and diversity
*Our high school redesign encourages student directed learning
*Student learning needs are addressed in Response to Intervention (RTI)
*Student led learning is emerging
*We are shifting from teacher talk to student ownership
*Students are reading and writing because they want to
• Google Classroom and Technology are providing enhanced and exciting opportunities
• A commitment to smaller learning communities matters.
*Both school size decisions and class size decisions enhance learning
• Religion in Division I is new and improved!
• Engaged and invested parents enhance learning
• The NET Team has impacted our students is positive, powerful ways.
• Math is on our horizons and we are excited by it
• Extra-Curricular Programs allow students to learn outside of class
We have confidence in what we do, but we can always do better. Teacher, Sacred Heart Academy
This is the most collaboration we have ever done in our school. Teacher, Brooks
Being observed and observing has expanded our teaching toolbox greatly. Teacher, Brooks
We as teachers are taking risks, trying new things, and bringing out our best teaching practices. Teacher, Brooks
High standards and high expectations are part of who we are. That is just the way it is! Teacher, St. John Paul II Collegiate
I love the fact that we are focused on the word “learning”, not the word “teaching”. Teacher, École Good Shepherd School
Conferring is magic. It’s all about the conversations… Teacher, École Good Shepherd School
If there is better; do better. Teacher, Our Lady of the Snows
Our passion in our teaching is mirrored in our students. Teacher, Our Lady of the Snows
~ page 7 ~
What do you
value most about
the CATHOLIC
COMMUNITY in
our schools and
district?
• We are a community of faith
*The Litany of Christ the Redeemer joins us all. We are many, yet we are ONE.
*Adoration has been transformational
*Our Joyful Journey unites us
*Staff Prayer connects us and our final blessing sends us off
*Goodworks are powerful
*Faith leaders across the district create a sense of community
*We gather together as a district
*We are one school; we are one parish
*We are intentional about our faith
• There is trust among us
*We share a sense of pride
*We belong
*We understand and give people a bit more grace during difficult times.
*Our principals and superintendents are relatable and one of us
*We are known
• We have a culture of community
*We are the third largest Catholic division but we still know each other by name
*There is excitement around new births within the division
*Prayer request shared by the district are appreciated
*Our time together every Friday is valued
*Mentorship builds relationship
*Our students experience community through leadership and service
*Respect between students and staff is deep and authentic
*Discipline is rooted in Gospel values
~ page 8 ~
• We have a caring staff who are always present for our students
*We learn our students’ names and take the time to learn about their interests
*We build relationships; we build people; we build character
*We are called to love
*We volunteer for extra-curricular to create a sense of belonging for all
• We seek the lost
*We “leave not one heart behind”
*We never give up on kids
*We ensure our students don’t fall through the cracks
*We have support services for our students
*Our FSLWs and Connections workers are wonderful
• Parents are a huge part of the process
*Our parent council has a strong presence
*Parents trust and respect our teachers and administrators
We are colleagues in conversation because we share our faith. Teacher, St. Mary’s School
There is a special feeling in our Catholic schools. Teacher, St. Mary’s School
Even saying, “I will pray for you” means a lot to our staff. Teacher, Clear Water Academy
Having teachers in the hall during breaks tells our students---“We are here!” Teacher, St. John Paul II Collegiate
I am so thankful to work in a faith filled community. Teacher, Brooks
~ page 9 ~
2016-2017
Superchat
continues....
FOR QUESTIONS OR INQUIRIES CONTACT:
Dr. Scott Morrison ~ smorrison@redeemer.ab.ca
Mr. Gary Chiste ~ gchiste@redeemer.ab.ca
Mr. Michael Kilcommons ~ mkilcommons@redeemer.ab.ca
Dr. Bonnie Annicchiarico ~ bannicchiarico@redeemer.ab.ca