TOWARDS 20/20
STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE AUGUST 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction
3
Eight Directions
4
Overview
5
The Eight Directions: What We Have Accomplished Direction 1: Personalized Authentic Learning
6 7
Direction 2: Global and Local Connectedness
8
Direction 3: Entrepreneurial Spirit
9
Direction 4: Resilience and Wellness
10
Direction 5: Community Connections and Engagement
11
Direction 6: Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration
12
Direction 7: Collaborative and Innovative Faculty and Staff
13
Direction 8: Financial Sustainability and Accessibility
14
Leadership Restructure
16
INTRODUCTION The Eight Direction Committees, established in September 2014, continued to meet monthly through to June 2015. In support of broad participation and ensuring an inclusive process, all faculty participated on a committee of their choosing and administrative staff joined committees as appropriate to their role at HSC. At the May meetings, each committee reviewed their progress for the year and summarized the completed activities in preparation for culminating presentations in June. As a celebration of the work and commitment to the plan, all committee members met in small groups on June 24, 2015 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for 15 minute Speed Sessions provided by committee chairs or representatives to showcase their accomplishments . It was important for everyone to experience all presentations and to gain an appreciation for the full College perspective and a broad understanding of all facets of the strategic plan, even if some areas have more relevance than others in their day-to-day functioning at HSC. 3
8 DIRECTIONS 3
2 Global & Local Connectedness
Entrepreneurial Spirit
1
4 Joyful and Engaged Students
Personalized Authentic Learning
5
6 Strong HSC Community Connections & Engagement
Resilience & Wellness
All supported by... 7 Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration
Collaborative and Innovative Faculty and Staff
8 Financial Sustainability and Accessibility
STRATEGIES
ANNUAL OVER SIX YEARS
ACTIVITIES ON-GOING
4
OVERVIEW A. KEY LEARNINGS AND BROAD CONCEPTS FROM THE JUNE PRESENTATIONS: • • • • • • • • •
There is a clearer understanding of and appreciation for the full College perspective of the plan There is a strong commitment to the shared vision of the plan supported by a common framework and language for priorities and processes We have enhanced communications for all stakeholders and improved transparency We gained high value from broad-based participation ensuring inclusivity and generative ideas Integration of ideas across Directions results in multiple connections and links for the continuum Theory and practice are blended to support “knowing and doing” Ideas focus on the needs and priorities of all stakeholders Suggestions for growth and improvements are based on data and guided by a systems approach using appropriate action models There are many opportunities to differentiate HSC’s program
B. COMMON CONSIDERATIONS ACROSS ALL DIRECTIONS • • • • • •
We created definitions for the HSC context Committees were extremely productive, given the time allocation for meetings Most committees created exemplars and inventories of actual practice Significant research and relevant data inform all proposed ideas Committees used a common approach and process that included a review and analysis of current practice, a gap analysis and suggestions for change There is strong evidence of continued enthusiasm for the potential of the next steps and the impacts on student learning
5
THE EIGHT DIRECTIONS What We Accomplished
DIRECTION 1 PERSONALIZED AUTHENTIC LEARNING • Reviewed delivery of learning for flexibility and customization • Examined timetable models and learning services • Investigated problem/project based learning, inquiry models • Considered alternate pathways to support unique talents • Collated cross-school opportunities • Used a progressive approach to assessment, engagement and recognition of achievement • Created an inventory and review of current practices in all four schools
Click to Watch
The Buck Institute for Education commissioned a short animated video that explains in clear language the essential elements of Project Based Learning (PBL). Click above to view!
The “My HSC” project incorporated a variety of hands-on activities that allowed Grade 1 students to explore the many meanings of community. The unit helped them achieve an understanding of the importance of people, buildings, and contributions made by community members. 7
DIRECTION 2 GLOBAL AND LOCAL CONNECTEDNESS • Developed statement of philosophy/principles that is applicable to all ages and stages • Reviewed the statement with input from all four schools • Developed a plan to use the statement to support decisions for partnerships, trips and affiliations
DIRECTION 2
8
Direction 3 entrepreneurial spirit • Developed definition of Entrepreneurial Spirit (ES) for all ages and stages • Created bank of exemplars from current practice • Revamped the Small Business course • Established partnerships with alumni to provide mentors for students
Bottom Left: Posters created by students for Montessori Caravan Centre: Senior School App Fair Bottom Right: Destination Imagination Top Right: Infographic Map of ES activities at HSC
DIRECTION 4 RESILIENCE & WELLNESS • • • • •
Click to Watch
Improved support mechanisms so that all students are known on a deeper level Developed a comprehensive integrated wellness program Developed definition of resiliency and framework for wellness Created an inventory of existing programs and opportunities Undertook a gap analysis to inform potential next steps
Resiliency Definition & Philosophy “The foundation for student wellness is resiliency. Resiliency for the HSC student is defined as the ability to turn adversity into opportunity. Resiliency is achieved through six HSC principles.” Dr. Mike Evans ’82, founder of the Health Design Lab, was HSC’s special guest during Wellness Week in February 2015.
Click to Watch
The Girl Power Group encourages students to wear purple ribbons daily as a symbol of gratitude, joy, and positive thinking. 10
DIRECTION 5 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS AND ENGAGEMENT
Click to Watch
• Compiled and reviewed alumni survey results • Increased alumni events with reunions in Kingston, Montreal, Hamilton, London, Toronto • Developed and launched the David Tutty Joy and Innovation Fund
The David Tutty Joy & Innovation fund inspires students, faculty and staff to think radically, push boundaries and be fearless.
Visit Gallery
The annual Toronto Alumni Reunion brings together classes in a celebration of the HSC community. 11
DIRECTION 6 STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATION • Developed a partnership policy affecting suppliers and trip providers • Examined opportunities for centres of excellence for local provincial and national initiatives
Click to Watch
HSC maintains many positive reciprocal relationships with community organizations such as CAIS, CIS and the Hamilton Children’s Choir, to name only a few.
HSC partners with the Inside Ride to raise money for the over 10,000 Canadian children living with cancer or its long term effects.
Click to Watch
During Wellness Week, the Middle School worked with the Heart and Stroke Foundationto organiz a College-wide “Fit for Heart” Fundraiser.
Direction 7 COLLABORATIVE AND INNOVATIVE FACULTY AND STAFF • • • • • •
Click for File
Developed a renewed PD strategy Augmented the faculty survey to include PD considerations Implemented job-embedded professional learning communities Supported enhanced collaboration within and across schools Created an inventory of cross school activities Created an HR skills database for curricular and co-curricular activities
CITE CONFERENCE 2015 On April 11, 2015 100 English teachers from 45 Ontario independent schools gathered at HSC for the 2015 CIS Conference for Independent Teachers of English (CITE). Jointly hosted by the Middle and Senior School English Departments, the conference was an opportunity to explore, through a variety of professional development opportunities, the conference theme of “Leading with Words.”
The committment of our faculty is evident in the wide range of co-currricular assignments every year
Click to Watch
Visit the Site
Miranda Hill, author and Executive Director of Project Bookmark Canada.
On April 17, 2015 the Junior School hosted guest speaker Ashley Jakovljevic, Occupational Therapist
13
DIRECTION 8 FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY • • • •
Developed a communication plan to educate on the definition of an independent school Articulated the HSC value proposition Renewed the strategic financial plan, model and guidelines Refined marketing strategy and positioning
Visit the Site
Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) provides various resources, including a definition of independent education.
Click to Watch
Leo, Pre-Kindergarten. Current dreamer, future global visionary.
Hillfield Strathallan College is an independent day school for Montessori Toddler and Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. Join us for our Pre-Kindergarten Open House on Tuesday, September 1. Call 905-389-1367, or visit www.hsc.on.ca, for details.
5.145 x 5.714 - Leo.indd 1
8/17/2015 11:24:07 AM
An online virtual tour of HSC looks at our campus through the eyes of our students.
A NEW LOOK AT LEADERSHIP 15
LEADERSHIP RESTRUCTURING In the spring of 2015, HSC implemented changes to align leadership positions with the goals and work of the Towards 20/20 Strategic Plan and to better support students and faculty. In consultation with the Ivey School of Business and current and past staff, HSC has developed a new leadership model to ensure the consistent delivery of an outstanding curriculum continuum from Early Education through to Senior School graduation, and to support all aspects of non-academic student life. Leadership for academics has been broadened with the addition of a Vice Principal Academics in Middle and Senior Schools to ensure the consistent and continual delivery of our exceptional curriculum. Subject Coordinators will focus on coordinating departmental affairs. The Director of Academics will become the Director of College Initiatives with an enhanced focus on College Perspectives and Strategic Initiatives such as providing mentorship to the academic program, the integration of technology, coordinating professional development college-wide and implementation of key areas of the strategic plan. The new plan will also
allow us to have an augmented and reorganized Academic Team consisting of the Head of College, The Director of College Initiatives, the four Principals and the two VP Academics. Leadership for school life and non-academic involvement will include the School Life Coordinator and two Vice Principals (one each for 9/10 and 11/12) in Senior School. The Middle School leadership team will include the Vice Principal Academic, Vice Principal school life and the trips/ events coordinator. Vice Principals have five-year terms and Subject Coordinators have three-year terms. The length of these terms will provide consistency and continuity in programming and planning. These roles will focus on providing a nurturing environment and maintaining strong connections and relationships between faculty and students. We anticipate this model will increase the opportunities for face-to-face interaction, support, and engagement. The restructuring will support collaboration and teamwork within schools and across the College. It will also improve the efficiency of workflow management for teachers, tutorial leaders, and the administration.
Senior School
Middle school
Principal of the Senior School VP Academic VP School Life Director of Student Success VP Grades 9 and 10 VP Grades 11 and 12 Senior Mistress Subject Coordinators
Bob Neibert William Peat Kristy Faggion Linda Kemp Michele Sacchetti Taya Cicchetti Sylvia Griffin 7
Top Row (L-R): Bob Neibert, William Peat, Kristy Faggion Second Row: (L-R): Linda Kemp, Michele Sacchetti, Taya Cicchetti Bottom Row: Sylvia Griffin
Principal of the Middle School VP Academic VP School Life Trip/Event Coordinator Subject Coordinators
Martin Ward-Doran Adrian Hoad-Reddick Martin Birthlemer Nancy Rocca 7
Top Row (L-R): Martin Ward-Doran, Adrian Hoad-Reddick Bottom Row (L-R): Martin Birthlemer, Nancy Rocca
JUNIOR SCHOOL Principal of the Junior School VP Junior School School Life Coordinator Curriculum Coordinator
MONTESSORI SCHOOL Shailau Spivak Kelly Bent Hilary Munn Lisa Mitchell
Top Row (L-R): Shailau Spivak, Kelly Bent Bottom Row (L-R): Hilary Munn, Lisa Mitchell
Principal of the Montessori School VP Montessori School School Life Coordinator Elementary Coordinator Casa Coordinator
Danielle Hourigan Erica Fraser Erica Otaguro Jacqueline Teggart Ruth Moseley
Top Row (L-R): Danielle Hourigan, Erica Fraser, Erica Otaguro Bottom Row (L-R): Jacqueline Teggart, Ruth Moseley
Senior School Principal of the Senior School Vice Principal Academics
The Vice Principal of Academics in the Senior School oversees the curriculum in the Senior School and ensures curriculum sequencing from Grade 9 through Grade 12. This position is also responsible for the Strategic Initiatives in the Senior School and assisting the Principal in coordinating with the Subject Coordinators
Vice Principal School Life
The Vice Principal of School Life is responsible for the coordination of co-curricular programs and communications, house activities and captains, tutorial grade activities, supports the Student Success Centre regarding student leadership and community service, coordinates e-week and runs all awards ceremonies.
Director of Student Success
The Director is responsible for planning, implementing, administering and evaluating a comprehensive Student Services program, which includes academic and career counselling, learning services, social/ emotional counselling, the coordination of university applications, visits & scholarships, academic testing and other post-secondary alternatives.
VP Grades (9/10) & VP Senior Grades (11/12)
The VPs are responsible for coordinating the Tutorial Leaders, as well as discipline, attendance, uniforms, grade level issues and organizing supply coverage.
Senior MISTRESS Subject Coordinators Arts & Design English & Drama History, Humanities Mathematics & Modern & International Nicholas Timms Jeremy Johnston & Social Sciences Computer Science Languages Antheia Cadette-Blasse John Bulger Carolyn Aylward Viveros
Physical and Health Education Amaris Langton
Sciences Christopher Dawn
MIDDLE SCHOOL Principal of the Middle School Vice Principal, Academics
The Vice Principal of Academics in the Middle School is responsible for Learning Services, Goals, the Gifted Program, Strategic Initiatives, Professional Assessment, and the Faculty Mentoring Program.
Vice Principal, School Life
The Vice Principal of School Life is responsible for all matters relating to Discipline, Coverage, Daily operations, the Calendar and Timetable, and co-curricular activities.
Trip/Event Coordinator
The Trip/Event Coordinator is responsible for matters relating to special events, committees, and coordinating trips.
Subject Coordinators Arts Denise Cober
English Sharon Neibert
Social Sciences Mark Mitchell
Mathematics Carrie Annable
French Laura Camus
Physical & Health Education Sharon Tilley
Sciences Brie Dundas
junior School Principal of the Junior School Vice Principal Junior School
The role of the Junior School Vice Principal is to assist in the daily operations of the School in keeping with the College’s mission, vision and values with in the Junior School.
School Life Coordinator
The role of the School Life Coordinator is to provide positive leadership in a manner that fosters a stimulating and supportive learning environment for students and teachers. The strategic plan, along with the College’s mission statement and guiding educational principles, is the central document that directs teaching and learning priorities and approaches at this time. A member of the school’s leadership team the School Life Coordinator is responsible for coordinating all School wide activities and coordinating activities with School Life Coordinators from other Schools within the College.
Curriculum Coordinator
The role of the Coordinator is to lead and manage the personnel and resources of an academic department in a manner that fosters a stimulating and supportive learning environment. The strategic plan, along with the College’s mission statement and guiding educational principles, is the central document that directs teaching and learning priorities and approaches at this time.
montessori school Principal of the Montessori School Vice Principal Montessori
The role of the Montessori School Vice Principal is to assist in the daily operations of the School in keeping with the College’s mission, vision and values with in the Montessori School.
School Life Coordinator
The role of the School Life Coordinator is to provide positive leadership in a manner that fosters a stimulating and supportive learning environment for students and teachers. The strategic plan, along with the College’s mission statement and guiding educational principles, is the central document that directs teaching and learning priorities and approaches at this time. A member of the school’s leadership team the School Life Coordinator is responsible for coordinating all School wide activities and coordinating activities with School Life Coordinators from other schools within the College.
Elementary Coordinator & Casa Coordinator
The role of the Coordinator is to lead and manage the personnel and resources of an academic department in a manner that fosters a stimulating and supportive learning environment for students and teachers. The strategic plan, along with the College’s mission statement and guiding educational principles, is the central document that directs teaching and learning priorities and approaches at this time.
COMMITTEE WORK: NEXT STEPS FOR 2015-16 After a very successful year of active mandatory participation and important outcomes, the model for committee participation will change for year two of implementation. We anticipate an annual review of the structure based on redefined needs and actual progress. Participation is encouraged but not mandatory for all faculty. Specific faculty and staff may be required to participate in relation to their existing roles and on-going responsibility. COMMITTEE WORK WILL INVOLVE: • Narrowing the focus on each Direction • Brainstorming and discussing needs • Research • Examining options and potential solutions
• •
Preparing proposals for review by the Leadership and Academic Teams Monitoring progress by providing updates and summaries of all activities during the year and presenting accomplishments at the end of the year
• • •
Set timelines for implementation Allocate financial and other resources Monitor progress and evaluate success
ROLE OF THE LEADERSHIP AND ACADEMIC TEAMS: • • •
Review committee proposals Create activity teams Approve and set annual priorities
Hillfield Strathallan College | 299 Fennell Avenue West, Hamilton, ON L9C 1G3 | P. 905-389-1367 | F. 905-389-6366 | www.hsc.on.ca