Jane's Pocket Change: The Power of Community
As I write this I am away from school, at one of my favorite conferences, the annual Headmistresses of the East conference in Princeton, New Jersey. Our theme is "building intentional communities."
As I write this I am away from school, at one of my favorite conferences, the annual Headmistresses of the East conference in Princeton, New Jersey. Our theme is "building intentional communities."
The speakers have ranged from psychologist, and learning and the brain expert, JoAnn Deak, through the latest research of Catherine Steiner-Adair on how our brains are becoming re-wired by over-dependence on smart phones. (See her book The Big Disconnect: Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships in the Digital Age for more background).
Since 1995 when Daniel Goleman's book on emotional intelligence was published, my educator colleagues and I have understood more and more about the importance of EQ, not just IQ. My few days in Princeton updated so much of my knowledge and understanding.
Here at CSW we speak constantly about the power of community, and I know it is that strength that keeps our students and families connected deeply to the mission of our school. Linda Lantieri, another speaker at the conference, told us about the people of Northern Natal who have a phrase: "Sawu bona," which means, "I see you." This is a standard greeting for them, similar to "how are you" in the United States. The retort to that greeting is "I am here." Consider the different set up with this pair of statements versus our classic question; think of how it builds a presence in the moment--vital for calm and new learning.
What I learned over these few days is the importance of an intentional community, such as ours, for deep learning and for the kind of intellectual, bold risk-taking that we encourage in our students and each other as adults. As I spend a few days visiting alumni/ae of our school after the conference, it is these deep connections they talk about and how they were able to soar as learners within a mindful, caring place of joy, engagement and possibility.
___________________________________________________________
Pocket Change is a web diary written by Jane Moulding, head of school.
The speakers have ranged from psychologist, and learning and the brain expert, JoAnn Deak, through the latest research of Catherine Steiner-Adair on how our brains are becoming re-wired by over-dependence on smart phones. (See her book The Big Disconnect: Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships in the Digital Age for more background).
Since 1995 when Daniel Goleman's book on emotional intelligence was published, my educator colleagues and I have understood more and more about the importance of EQ, not just IQ. My few days in Princeton updated so much of my knowledge and understanding.
Here at CSW we speak constantly about the power of community, and I know it is that strength that keeps our students and families connected deeply to the mission of our school. Linda Lantieri, another speaker at the conference, told us about the people of Northern Natal who have a phrase: "Sawu bona," which means, "I see you." This is a standard greeting for them, similar to "how are you" in the United States. The retort to that greeting is "I am here." Consider the different set up with this pair of statements versus our classic question; think of how it builds a presence in the moment--vital for calm and new learning.
What I learned over these few days is the importance of an intentional community, such as ours, for deep learning and for the kind of intellectual, bold risk-taking that we encourage in our students and each other as adults. As I spend a few days visiting alumni/ae of our school after the conference, it is these deep connections they talk about and how they were able to soar as learners within a mindful, caring place of joy, engagement and possibility.
___________________________________________________________
Pocket Change is a web diary written by Jane Moulding, head of school.
Campus News
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Our Children's Trust Visits CSW
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Sustainability Commitee Organizes Earth Day Workshop Series
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CSW Theatre Department Competes at the METG
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Meet CSW Students
The Cambridge School of Weston is a progressive high school for day and boarding students in grades 9–12 and PG. CSW's mission is to provide a progressive education that emphasizes deep learning, meaningful relationships, and a dynamic program that inspires students to discover who they are and what their contribution is to their school, their community and the world.