PQP Reflection Portfolio

During the PQP course this domain had the most guest speakers to address how a principal could deal with it. I think accountability intimidates a lot of people. It may even by a deterrent to some people. 

Some of the important implications for those wanting to go into the position, especially working at a large board are: 

1. seek out the answers 

2. use your superintendent for issues 

3. use all of the services available to you: child services, psychologically services 

4. other principals in your family schools 

5. use of legal department at the board 

6. legal services by the Ontario Principals Council (if you want to ensure your SO is providing enough information, especially if you are required to possibly testify in any investigation)  

One of the important messages throughout this course is you are not alone and there are a number of services, to ensure that you are assisted, protected to some degree- do your own due diligence, and ensure that in any difficult or stressful situation that you take the opportunity to use your time wisely by saying "I will get back to you and ensure you have a time frame".

I have worked in a number of schools mainly because there was a country I wanted to work in. During these times I have worked with a lot of principals who were: 

 a. did not have the training 

b. feel that training was important 

c. were ineffective i a lot of ways. 

This was why I took this course because I disagreed with the first two points. My current principal has been the best that I had worked with, however, he is currently getting ready to retire, which provides another set of issues, but he was really in favour of teachers taking any PD courses. I can see why and also he took a lot of courses himself throughout his 40 year career.  Right now, I feel a little, pressured to finish but at the same time I have really enjoyed having to develop a plan of entry and the time line I am looking at is 2-3 years. The last takeaway is it reduces a lot of anxiety by the unknown because of the extent of conversations, sharing of resources and strategies to begin to exert influence. 

Personal Reflection of session: 1. Every principal in a large school board should know and use the legal department in their board.  2. on of the major issues that administrators will have to regularly deal with is custodial issues of students- when and where do parents have the right to access a student. 3. the courts have not been allowing students the right to "emancipate" from their parents. 4. special education- the responsibility is to the student not the parents. 5. rules and regulations surrounding cyber bullying are in the process of being formalized (OCT has put out an advisory for teachers on how to conduct themselves through social media). 

During the class discussions "lawyers talk to lawyers" was a very useful and important lesson to take away from this session. 

Jim was a dynamic speaker and had very simple messages to "care" what you do and equity matters: the goal is to have "right glasses that fit". His statistics and stories are something I identify with.  When he said that his first Greek teacher could pronounce his name, however, she was not his favourite teacher was a powerful message.  I also had a similar experience, my favourite teacher was my Grade 4 teacher, however, my Grade 5 teacher was Eurasian like I was.  

Two female PQP 2 candidates began a heated debate which essentially debated the issue of to support affirmative action or not.   There are those who support affirmative action and those who deeply oppose it. 

Personal Reflection: 

I feel at this point in time I have to say that I have benefitted from affirmative action and also gender based interventions at the school levels. I went to school in the 1980s and 1990s during this time I was often chosen for leadership (Scarborough Multicultural Interschool Leadership Experience) as both a women and an ethnic minority (even though I am mixed race with a very Anglo Saxon name: Claire Lillian Watson).  I was chosen in grade 8 to attend a conference of Women in the Sciences.  During my high school years I also attended a subsidised summer camp in Algonquin for a week. I know that I was chosen for these experience for somewhat outward, affirming qualities, however, I cannot deny the impact these experiences had on my life, they gave me experiences, and exposure to worlds that my parents may not have time to engage in, they were both working and raising 3 children. I am greatly indebted to the full education that the TDSB has given me and now that I am working, in the back of my mind, after my International experience has ran its course is to work for the TDSB.   

Lorraine came to speak to the class and clarify what the mandate was to "test every child". The conversation by the entire group around the implication of the score, in particular how they were used in Toronto to drive up home prices. It was another misuse of the statistic, however, it has a purpose and all governments use these types of tests to "secure" accountability.  

I have always worked in schools with some kind of external exam and as a result it has always driven the teaching practice in school. It narrows  the focus, but it gives an exact focus. I think, how you present the data, is important as an administrator and how you integrate the data into your practice is small and Lorraine emphasised it.  As an administrator attending a talk by Lorraine is both informative and empowering and also transparent.  What I did get from this talk was there is "emotion" surrounding data and I think the skill of a principal is how you can convey the information and help develop an action plan. 

Jamie's talk was the hardest hitting talk because we have dealt with a very public suicide that made national headlines. I felt what Jamie had gone through because I have also gone through it. I will call the teacher M who committed suicide.  After M passed one year later a former student who was a member of the royal family here also committed suicide and it made national headlines as well. 

I identified with what Jamie's school went through and also how a staff becomes much more connected, committed and compassionate through the process. After an event like this the importance of mental well being .  I don't think it can be overstated that this is an important issue and continues to have incredible stigma, even if the statistics are clear  from 

• 20% of Canadians will personally experience a mental illness in their lifetime. Reference:  
• Reference http://www.cmha.ca/media/fast-facts-about-mental-illness/#.U9s2MWS9Ga0

The whole school approach must include the "Internet" because this realm of social interaction continues to emerge.  

M. was my immediate supervisor, I would also include he was my friend and was beginning to be an important confidant and mentor to me. Needless to say I have felt an incredible loss of life.  He also was biracial, his mother was black and his father was French Canadian- white. One of the issues we talked about was insomnia.  Both of us had experienced it but more importantly the difference between our situations  was the level of persistence in his life compared to mine.  Also loneliness was cited as a reason for insomnia.  M. was going through a break up at the same time as his insomnia and his girlfriend was returning to Canada- she was Canadian.  All of these factors, which would look like well being issues, lack of sleep, dealing with a tough break up and loss- she was moving back to Canada- were mitigating but may have not received the attention is should have because he maintained a "smiling face" throughout the whole process. Which now looking back, could have been a signal.  

Implication for a principal: In considering a whole school approach I think it is important to include mental stress as part of the "health and well being" of daily life. We have to be more sensitive and accommodating to those struggling with stresses as we would to someone who has the "flu"- where the signs are obvious.  I also, feel that as school, we can include dealing with stress as just an important topic as eating right and getting enough sleep.  I am encouraged to see that "well being" and "achievement" are both important issues. 

I am encouraged to see that there is movement to acknowledging and managing a more balanced, whole school and interconnected approach to dealing with various scenarios.  Before, I have felt, there has been a partition of issues rather than being able to address "whole school" and being more proactive in addressing the mitigating circumstances before we get substantial and serious issues. I think this new approach is much more progressive, proactive, and positive example of addressing education.