Strength From Diversity
As we strive to increase diversity in Crescent School’s human composition, we are also making an effort to become increasingly diverse with respect to our pedagogy and learning programs – to position “difference” as a strength, not a limiting factor, in the overall Crescent school experience.
Our commitment to this strategic objective has been on full display of late, especially in our approach to celebrating Mental Health, Black History Month, Lunar New Year, and in the accomplishments of our boys on stage and in the community.
The month of February kicked off with a school-wide focus on mental health. I was so pleased to see the theme of support permeate across the entire school through a diverse set of learning experiences with staff and students, including healthy eating, quiet reflection and meditation, peer-led discussions, and mentor group conversation. Special thanks to our Health and Wellbeing Professional Learning Community for leading this powerful initiative.
Recently, I was honoured to listen to Mr. David “Sudz” Sutherland, a Canadian film director and screenwriter, as he offered a very valuable and personal account for our boys and parents at assembly for our exploration of Black history – which kick-started a full month of curricular exploration, mentor group conversation and personal affirmations of staff at divisional assemblies. A special thanks to our Diversity Professional Learning Community – a group of over a dozen staff – for coordinating these events so thoughtfully and compassionately.
I was also so impressed with Ms. Annie Li, our Upper School Mandarin teacher, who led a lively assembly by inviting three families to share their Lunar New Year stories and traditions. A special word of thanks to Crescent parents Kevin and Claire Teng for their effort to enhance our appreciation and awareness of the diverse Asian heritage and culture at Crescent.
I was so fortunate to attend our Upper School dramatic production of If Not for Love, featuring a cast of 24 young actors from Crescent and Havergal. Beautifully staged, it seamlessly blended nine professional pieces by John Cariani and six original works written by Crescent boys. The show explored diverse experiences of love and relationships, both the expected and unexpected, across a lifetime. A heartfelt thank you to our Arts team who model true collaboration and support, and especially to the students who dedicated their hearts and souls to the show.
Finally, I was humbled to participate in a recent local service experience to feed the homeless in downtown Toronto. As part of a division-wide approach to service learning this term, each student and staff member of our Middle School has been giving back to the diverse needs across our city. When asked why he chose to serve the homeless, one student told me, “I wanted my actions to have an immediate impact.” A special word of thanks to teachers Ms. Sheryl Murray and Ms. Andrea Schrauwers for their effort to expand and grow our boys’ approach to leadership and service, especially to those most in need.
While clearly there is still work ahead of us to embrace and champion the many differences that make up the fabric of our community, we can take great pride in how we are already embracing diversity as part of our strength as Crescent School.
See all of Headmaster Fellin's Open Mike Blogs
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The month of February kicked off with a school-wide focus on mental health. I was so pleased to see the theme of support permeate across the entire school through a diverse set of learning experiences with staff and students, including healthy eating, quiet reflection and meditation, peer-led discussions, and mentor group conversation. Special thanks to our Health and Wellbeing Professional Learning Community for leading this powerful initiative.
Recently, I was honoured to listen to Mr. David “Sudz” Sutherland, a Canadian film director and screenwriter, as he offered a very valuable and personal account for our boys and parents at assembly for our exploration of Black history – which kick-started a full month of curricular exploration, mentor group conversation and personal affirmations of staff at divisional assemblies. A special thanks to our Diversity Professional Learning Community – a group of over a dozen staff – for coordinating these events so thoughtfully and compassionately.
I was also so impressed with Ms. Annie Li, our Upper School Mandarin teacher, who led a lively assembly by inviting three families to share their Lunar New Year stories and traditions. A special word of thanks to Crescent parents Kevin and Claire Teng for their effort to enhance our appreciation and awareness of the diverse Asian heritage and culture at Crescent.
I was so fortunate to attend our Upper School dramatic production of If Not for Love, featuring a cast of 24 young actors from Crescent and Havergal. Beautifully staged, it seamlessly blended nine professional pieces by John Cariani and six original works written by Crescent boys. The show explored diverse experiences of love and relationships, both the expected and unexpected, across a lifetime. A heartfelt thank you to our Arts team who model true collaboration and support, and especially to the students who dedicated their hearts and souls to the show.
Finally, I was humbled to participate in a recent local service experience to feed the homeless in downtown Toronto. As part of a division-wide approach to service learning this term, each student and staff member of our Middle School has been giving back to the diverse needs across our city. When asked why he chose to serve the homeless, one student told me, “I wanted my actions to have an immediate impact.” A special word of thanks to teachers Ms. Sheryl Murray and Ms. Andrea Schrauwers for their effort to expand and grow our boys’ approach to leadership and service, especially to those most in need.
While clearly there is still work ahead of us to embrace and champion the many differences that make up the fabric of our community, we can take great pride in how we are already embracing diversity as part of our strength as Crescent School.
See all of Headmaster Fellin's Open Mike Blogs
