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Greetings everyone! I am a primary teacher at St. Margaret’s school in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia. I love being part of a small, caring Foundation Years team at our school along with my colleague and across the hall neighbour Annie Maki. This is my fourth year as a Grade 2 teacher at SMS and I worked as an Educational Assistant in our Senior School. I

The motto I keep telling myself this year is, “life isn’t about waiting about the storm to pass, it’s about learning how to dance in the rain.” It certainly feels like there is some stormy weather yet to come, but there are always opportunities for joy, growth and celebration.

Looking forward to connecting with this community of educators!

-Naomi Bar-Hanan
Grade 2 Teacher
St. Margaret’s School

Credit to our wonderful Teacher Librarian Mrs. Nahachewsky for the illustration of me! She knows my two great loves, coffee and cacti (the only plants I can keep alive).

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Hi Everyone! My name is Mary Fiore. In my current role as coordinator of mathematics, for Branksome Hall - an all girls school in Toronto - I work collaboratively with teachers to explore effective teaching practices, with a focus on mathematics. I also have the pleasure of co-teaching with teachers, K-6, as we strive to create meaningful mathematical learning experiences where students make sense of mathematical ideas through mathematical thinking. I look forward to being on this collaborative professional learning opportunity with all of you. Sincerely, mary

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Hello everyone! My name is Andrea Russell. I am one of the Grade 6 teachers at Branksome Hall - an all girls K-12 IB school in Toronto, Canada. Our school is focused on teaching and learning through an inquiry lens and I strive to follow the students lead to direct our learning experiences. One phrase for the year that I am trying to keep at top of mind is "flexibility". This is a unique opportunity to tackle teaching and learning in an environment that is different for every educator across the world. I am so eager to learn from all of you and am looking forward to participating in discussion and sharing ideas.

Stay Well,
Andrea

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My name is Caroline Kilby. I am a Kindergarten Teacher at St. Catherine's School in Richmond. This is my third year at St. Catherine's, and before I taught three years in Junior Kindergarten. Two years in a public school in Chesterfield County, VA and one year at Harford Day School in Maryland.
I enjoy teaching at St. Catherine's and love empowering the girls at 5 and 6 years old. Their courage and creativity are so impressive.

My motto this year is "comparison is the thief of joy". There are some many things that are different in the classroom this year and we know that as teachers. But the girls show up so happy every day, ready to have the best day in Kindergarten.

Thank you!
Caroline Kilby
St. Catherine's School
Richmond, VA

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Good Afternoon, my name is Paola Consuegra and this is my second NCGS program. I have participated in many of their webinars in the past.  I look forward to getting to know and learn from all of you during our time together.  I am currently the Head of the Montessori & Primary School at Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart - we are an all girl Catholic Independent School in Miami, Florida. I look forward to our work together.  I think the best word for this year - is #showup - I have asked all of my teachers to show up and be today's essential workers! It is and continues to be one of the most difficult times in our profession, but together we will get through this for the good of our students!

Looking forward to next week!

Paola
Montessori & Primary School Head
Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart
Miami, Florida

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I am the Division Director of the Program for Young Children at Columbus School for Girls on OH.  I'm in my fourth year as DD.  Previously, I was a faculty member at a local Liberal Arts College in Teacher Education.  For many years prior to that I taught first and second grade in a private school.  I love my role because I work closely with families, young children, and teachers.  I always say, Begin Anyway!

Looking forward to making connections with all of you!

Warmly,
Jamie
Division Director of Program for Young Children Ages 3-6
Columbus School for Girls
Columbus, OH

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Hello, hello! My name is Fatma Faraj and I am the Junior School Teacher-Librarian at Branksome Hall in Toronto. Not only am I the TL this year, I have taken on the role of Virtual Coordinator for our virtual students and I am the Junior Division Leader.

Previously, I taught in the public school system for 16 years, teaching Grades 2-Grade 7, including being a Middle School Teacher-Librarian.

My motto: Tomorrow is a new day.

I am looking forward to engaging in dialogue that will inspire me and encourage me to keep being positive in this plot-twisting narrative called life.

Fatma Faraj
Teacher-Librarian
Branksome Hall
Toronto, ON

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My name is Erika Lo. I am the Junior School Assistant Head & PYP Coordinator at Branksome Hall in Toronto, Canada. This is my second year in the role. Previously, I taught Grade 6 for a number of years as well as worked overseas in the Middle East.
This year the goal is to take things one day at a time. We keep saying that it feels like we are building the plane while flying it:)

Looking forward to some great conversations!

-Erika Lo
Assistant Head, Junior School & PYP Coordinator

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My name is Katharine Kent.  I am the Lower School Division Head at Hutchison School in Memphis, Tennessee.  This is my second year in this role at Hutchison. Previously, I taught for 20 years mostly as a 2nd grade teacher, but I also briefly taught Junior Kindergarten and science lab in the elementary grades.  I am really looking forward to getting to know you all this year through our discussions.

My motto for this unique school year is "We are all in this together!"

-Katharine Kent
Lower School Division Head
Hutchison School

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Grade 3 teacher in Victoria, British Columbia. It's beautiful here!

I'm a teammate of fellow Headways participant, Naomi. We work at St. Margaret's School, and we both enjoy the K-12 environment.
I learn all day with the grade 3s and coach senior students in athletics. I really like our boarding community.

Motto for this year is "today I lift my sail". There is a wood-carved sailboat with graceful lines that sits on the window ledge. It reminds me that I have the power to choose joy today.

Thank you for the helpful norms and expectations document.

-Annie Maki
Gr. 3 teacher @ St. Margaret's School
Victoria, BC

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Please take a moment to review this document ahead of our first meeting on October 19.

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I'm so looking forward to getting to know each of you over the course of our five conversations. This is my second year with NCGS, and the Headways program is one of my absolute favorite parts of my job. I hope that this cohort can make what will be a challenging school year a bit smoother for each of you as we share ideas and resources together.

My approach to the 2020-2021 school year is "one day at a time."

-Jean Baker, NCGS, Manager of Membership & Outreach