As a Catholic school leader, I would try to create an environment (OLF Building a shared vision) for ongoing student engagement in social justice issues in my community by doing several things. First I would model an appreciation and respect for different cultures in our school community and embrace our diversity knowing it adds to our school fabric in so many positive ways. I would also organize through various pd opportunities building awareness around how teachers (Improving instructional Programming) can implement this in and through the curriculum. I would encourage staff who are passionate or even interested in social justice/education to lead a committee in our school of which I would join too. I would also try to be an ear to all the students in my school just like the teachers need to listen to what the students are saying so they can shape their teaching to connect to their students’ lives. A school leader has many opportunities to listen to students and not just in the office when there is a discipline situation but especially during those times. If a student does not fell their voice matters then how will they ever feel they can make a difference or how will they ever build the courage to stand up.

Once example of where tech/social media can further cross-curricular inquiry that promotes Catholic Social Teachings and student voice in a meaningful way is around charity and giving back. Schools can use technology to source and reach out to needy organizations faster than ever before. Student leaders can voice their ideas and reach the masses through social media to rally behind a worthy cause. Jesus taught us to count our many blessings and give to the less fortunate. ((...all students are created in the image of God) Technology and social media makes it easier and more accessible for everyone in the school community to come together and make a positive change in the lives of those that might otherwise go unnoticed. One good deed breeds another and it’s contagious.

 

In my school, we have a "Me to We" club lead by a Gr.6 teacher and in the club are a handful of responsible and beautiful outwardly caring students who are in their own right "creating a positive footprint". I was fortunate to join them in going to ME to WE convention  last Fall at the Rogers Centre and I saw first hand their excitement and motivation at seeing how others just like them "have made a difference". In reference to Donna Fry's article, the students at my school can and are using their expanding "digital intelligence" to tap into many of the Global Citizenship competencies from using social media to " interact safely and responsibly with other communities" with the teacher's guidance and supervision to "contributing to their society locally and globally". Effective Catholic School leaders ECSL need to encourage and praise staff and students alike to continue in their efforts. ECSL also need to take a keen visible interest in clubs like ME to We in their schools so that they can  know what great things are happening, they can contribute and support and help spread the word of the many  voluntary and worthy communal efforts at work in our schools. Global Citizenship as a 21st Century Competency for out students is connected to our Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations in several ways: In their mandate, it says "Catholic schools must be places where students can hear Jesus invitation to follow him...." ; Catholic educators are called to develop  Effective Communicators " ""students who speak, write and listen honestly and sensitively, responding critically in light of gospel values" .Catholic Educators are called to develop and foster  Responsible citizens is " students who give witness Catholic social teaching by promoting peace, justice, and the sacredness of human life"; and also Pope John Paul challenged the People of God to "put out into the deep"= "to deepen our commitment to care for all of Gods creations." "in a world of constant change"= 4th Generation

I really got a lot out of this challenge. This should not have been a surprise since technology has not traditionally been my strength relative to other skill sets I bring to the table of education and the formation of my educational leadership. Having nearly completed PQP2 and this challenge I definitely feel less like the dinosaur in the virtual room and physical classroom as well. After learning a great deal about the innovator's mindset (Couros) and SAMR and TPACK models, Culturally Responsive Teaching and 21st Century Learning...and so much more, I feel empowered and eager to  share my new learnings. Thanks to my participation in this 10 day challenge, I am much more comfortable with using social media in a leadership capacity - the reality of social media means that no area of the world is out of reach. I recognize that Catholic Educators have a responsibility as well as an opportunity to make a difference using social media and technology responsibly and purposefully. I most enjoyed watching the videos. I found it a bit like the layers of an onion. Even though they were short, I got something new and motivational each time I watched them. I watched them not just with through the lens@ of as a prospective Catholic School Leader but also  as a human being (4th Generation).  Many of the articles I read were stepping stones to further my exploration of those authors (Couros and Donna Fry) and other authors with a view to ongoing professional development in the realm of educational leadership. Thanks for the trip!