"Members promote and participate in the creation of collaborative, safe and supportive learning communities. They recognize their shared responsibilities and their leadership roles in order to facilitate student success. Members maintain and uphold the principles of the ethical standards in these learning communities."

(Ontario College of Teachers)

I was honoured to be a part of two GSA groups at two practicums, one established a few years ago and the other just beginning. It was beautiful to witness and participate in the thoughtful care these staff put into their groups, ensuring that students are seen, protected, and celebrated. 

Being recognized as one of the teachers in the school community who could be counted on to stand up for students' identities opened doors to have conversations with students on a myriad of issues. I felt that I made considerable impact in a short amount of time which I credit to this additional community involvement.

In two of my practicums I was heavily involved with coaching outside of class time - both for an intermediate girls volleyball team, a school-wide track and field event, and a regional cross country meet. I learned so much during my time outside the bells, making relationships with students, cheering them on, encouraging team work, giving them feedback, and watching them reach their full athletic potential.

Together with my AT who spearheaded the project, I helped lead Holiday Heroes. Each December, the school's intention is to partner up with the York Region Police in their Holiday Heroes Drive. The drive supplies the local food bank and the York Region Police collect all contributions so that people can benefit from the donations over the holiday season.

Our grade 6 class spent extra time during recess and after school gathering the donations, collecting data from each class as part of a friendly competition to see which class/division could accumulate the most donations, displaying the donations in the front lobby, and loading all the donations into the YRP's truck when it came time to collect. It was an amazing endeavour from beginning to end and such a pleasure to be a part of.