Volunteering during a Halloween walk with students from the local school reminded me what a community of excited learners looks like: happy and engaged. I asked one of the students why he chose Superman as his costume. “He’s a hero. He helps people.” Special education students and educators need a hero. Or at the very …
Over the past few days, Metro Morning (CBC) has hosted discussions about special education in Ontario. Each of the segments have brought in different perspectives; the common theme is the recognition of the untenable situation for students within the special education sector, the province’s most vulnerable students. The first segment which aired on October 27th …
There are some significant issues in education in Ontario – and many other jurisdictions – that are alarming and make me wonder – what is the tipping point? When does the whole thing fall off the rails? Some people feel we have surpassed that point and now educate their children in privately funded institutions. I …
Lately I have been reading works by people who are finding the courage and the space in their lives to follow their interests, passions and dreams. The other day a piece popped into my inbox from Jon Chiang, a freelance film maker. In addition to his film work, Jon creates a weekly newsletter with links to …
There are once again several high profile sexual assault cases grabbing headlines these past few weeks. For some people, it is a “watershed moment” – a time of hope that in this #metoo moment, opening up a dialogue will give affected women strength and others the knowledge to support all women. If someone chose to …
I have never dreaded the “big” birthdays ending in a zero. The “big” 5s were my demons. At 25, I had thought I’d have my first child, a marker that would make me a “grown up”. The fact that I had a mortgage apparently didn’t seem sufficient proof of adulthood. At 35, my children were …
Thirteen years ago today, I received news that my dad had died. His cancer, aggressive and painful, had been diagnosed the year before. I spent more time with him during his treatment phase and palliative care than in the 40 years prior. My dad shaped me in his lifetime, more by his absence than his …
I have this sweater. It’s not really that old, but it is well worn. I admit that, even when I bought it, brand new, it looked that way. I liked that it resembled something I could have inherited from my dad. Or more likely my father-in-law. The thing about this sweater is that it brings …
Amidst the news of catastrophic earthquakes, hurricanes and attacks on innocent people, the announcement of Bill Cosby’s retrial date being set has understandably slipped under the radar. The recent revelations about Harvey Weinstein may refocus attention on influential people and their abuse of power through sexual assault. Cosby’s retrial will undoubtedly find its place in …
My son has taught me the beauty of curiosity. Before “google” was a thing, he followed his interests by working through huge piles of library books, watching PBS, CBC, or videos and by engaging in elaborate hands-on learning. Kyle has always shared his acquired knowledge in a way that makes you want to go on …
