Summer is a perfect time for Faculty PD!

As lifelong learners, teachers often use the summer months to advance their professional development (PD) by attending educational workshops and training events. Immersing themselves into their areas of expertise are invaluable ways to widen a faculty member’s teaching experience. CDS teachers are encouraged to do this year round, and although this summer was once again not an ordinary one, many of our faculty used their time outside of the classroom to not only rejuvenate, but expand their professional horizons as well.
Here are a few highlights of what our faculty were up to this summer:

One of our newer members of the Junior School faculty, Mrs. Alexandra Lauria-Parnis, enjoyed the month of July networking with fellow independent school educators and leaders in York University’s Principal Qualification Program, Part 1. This synchronous experience allowed Mrs. Lauria-Parnis to work collaboratively, with like-minded educators, who are committed to creating and maintaining an educational experience that is relevant and focused on student well-being.

This course explored educational legislation, leadership frameworks, and improvement planning. It was designed for Ontario independent schools and looks at the implementation of change from a variety of lenses: the role of admissions, marketing, written policy, strategic planning, and so much more. Mrs. L-P now has the opportunity to design a practicum project, which she will work on this academic year, relating to the Ministry’s Growing Success document.

Ms. Briana Courtemanche also kept herself busy working hard on the “Mathematics, Part 1” additional qualifications course which she will complete in late August. She has been learning some new strategies, ideas, and methodologies for creating an enriching math program for her Junior School learners.

Ms. Courtemanche’s learning journey didn’t stop there. She has been accepted into the Master’s of Education program with a focus in Curriculum Theory at the University of Windsor. Her program starts this month, but rest assured she will continue to teach in the Junior School while completing it!

For Ms. Jo-Anne Kuchmak, who teaches Grade 4, summer is both a time to spend with her family and also for investing in her own professional growth. "During the month of July, I took part in three different courses through the CAIS Leadership Institute program. The work entailed long hours, yet was exciting and fulfilling. It not only enabled me opportunities for new and high-level thinking, it also provided chances for me to learn from other innovative educators." - Ms. Kuchmak

Ms. Fiona Suddaby, who joined the Junior School in January 2021, also participated in three module sessions of this summer's CAIS Leadership Institute, but different sessions than Ms. Kuchmak.

"Each module was exciting and full of incredible information taught by very talented and inspiring instructors from across the country. One thing (of many) that I took away from these courses, was that we are all on a journey. This journey requires us to find our own unique path that provides us with the opportunity to flourish."

In preparation for stepping into their new role as Co-Heads of Student Services in September, Ms. Alanna Houston and Mr. David Drake have kept busy these past few months pouring over Ministry documents, writing/editing/uploading IEPs, learning the timetabling system for scheduling of Senior School classes, and communicating with families. They want and need to be as organized and prepared as possible for this upcoming school year!

Ms. Kelly Johnson, who teaches Grade 5, is in the middle of taking her Teacher Librarian Specialist at the University of Toronto’s OISE, a journey she started in spring 2020. She absolutely loved Part 1 where she learned about new trends in libraries, top books for elementary students, creating inspiring spaces for learning and inquiry-based education.

This summer she opted to push pause to explore her local libraries and read for pleasure. Part 2 will commence in January and she will complete her Specialist by summer 2022. Ms. Johnson attributes this course with helping her stay motivated and inspired. "I enjoy the pursuit of learning new things and collaborating with other talented teachers from across Ontario."

Ms. Melissa Mazurkewich, who teaches in Grade 1, recently completed her Reading Specialist Additional Qualification from OISE. This program focuses on literacy learning, instruction, and how to adopt instructional procedures to improve students’ reading, writing and learning. She will apply the skills learned to the independent, shared and guided reading programs in her classroom.

Ms. Mazurkewich is also in the process of attaining her Teacher-Librarian Specialist qualifications from U of T’s OISE. This qualification will compliment and assist her in continually learning and developing her classroom Language Arts program. “I love engaging in literacy with children. Books allow my students and me to explore the world and beyond from our classroom.”

And CDS Technology Integration Specialist, Ms. Jen Weening spearheaded a faculty professional book club this summer where teachers read and studied the book UDL & Blended Learning by Catlin Tucker and Katie Novak.

Catlin Tucker is a blended learning expert whose blog posts and ideas Ms. Weening relied heavily upon last year as she shared ideas with the MS/SS faculty for engaging students in the dual modes of in person and online. Katie Novak is an expert in UDL (Universal Design for Learning) which is an inclusive framework for ensuring all students have what they need to be successful.

Faculty members read the book individually and then met in early August for a discussion of the first half of the book, followed by a final discussion during Faculty Professional Development last week.

Like their students, our faculty are returning to their classrooms this week refreshed and invigorated - ready to share their knowledge and continue to learn from one another!
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Land Acknowledgment

CDS wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. For thousands of years, these have been the traditional lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We also recognize the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and the Haudenosaunee peoples who also shared this land.  CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for these lands and waters for future generations.

School Information

13415 Dufferin Street King, Ontario L7B 1K5 
(905) 833-1220 

communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca

Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.