Hello Families,
We had a bittersweet day today. The Authorization team left with the comment that our program is one that exemplifies an Early Years IB program. The children were enthusiastic learners and did a wonderful job demonstrating their reading of the musical score for the song we are doing for the concert. The teachers explained in clear and concise ways how they improve the planners we develop for every unit of inquiry. The parents shared their enthusiasm for the excitement that their children display at home as a result of the units of inquiry. They shared that the children were being supported to be life-long, internationally-minded learners.
At the end of the day the team met with the Principal and the Co-ordinator to share some general comments. The Authorization team did not share the outcome of the visit but the school will be made aware within 90 days. There was some sense of hope shared so they feel they are on their way to making Southlands a strong IB Programme.
Creative Minds' position in the Authorization has been challenged however. It appears that there were some irregularities in the first application 4 years ago (we may not have been adequately included). Further, the fact that we are an independent body from the school poses the IBO some problems as far as who governs what. I am not quite certain how this will play out and I have to say that I was rather taken aback by it all given that I provided the information for the final application and it was made clear that we were requesting Authorization as PART OF the school application. I am disheartened by the lack of systems or policies to support such public/ventureventures especially ones that are in the best interests of all children.
I don't know what will come of this I am reminded of the message in this quote:
We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. ~ Frederick Koenig
I appreciate that we have parents who are as wonderful as you all are and I will gaze upon the roses we just got from Caroline knowing that we will continue to see the beauty in all of this.
Kate
Dear Kate:
ReplyDeleteSome words of encouragement...
"One Hundred Years from now
It will not matter
what kind of car I drove,
What kind of house I lived in,
how much money was in my bank account
nor what my clothes looked like.
**OR WHAT THE IBO THINKS**
But the world may be a better place because
I was important in the life of a child."
(excerpt from "Within My Power" by Forest Witcraft)
Thank you for being so important in the lives of our children.
Henry
Great quote Henry. Kate and Team, know that you are making an amazing impact. The program you have created at Creative Minds is a wonderful world for our children, rubber stamped or not. Your passion and dedication does not go unnoticed. We can't thank you enough.
ReplyDeleteYou and the rest of the teaching team are amazing and we are so lucky to have your passion and tremendous commitment to learning touch all of our lives on a daily basis. Having the certification is the "icing on top" but does not change our level of support and continued enthusiasm for the programs you deliver. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteAllison and Brian McConville
CM is truly a wondrous and inspiring place, for children and parents. If IBO can't see the gem that CM is, I think they are really missing out!!
ReplyDelete