Trustee Chris Gorman (SD23) & Trustee Lori Pratt (SD46)
Love this photo for many reasons… First, Chris and Lori are a couple of school trustee buddies I truly adore. Second, they are focused on technology. Love that! Third, I think they are posing. Nonetheless, they make me laugh. I love this photo because it exemplifies the intrinsic goods of my pedagogical journey. It goes beyond the act of teaching, relationships, and mathematics. Over the past week I was warmed by several unexpected reunions. On Tuesday, I reconnected with Rob in Burnaby… Wednesday with Jesse at the Lighthouse Pub… and Thursday with Dom at Subway. I tried to blog about these “Math Super Heroes” but I could not figure out the so what. At first I thought it was about being a part of their pedagogical journey as they overcame personal challenges and transformed. Nope. It’s bigger than that. Then it dawned on me at 1am this morning when I received two unsolicited “thank yous” online from two of my friends and former colleagues. Yup. I love helping others.
Written by Christine Ho Younghusband, June 30th, 2013 | Comments Off on Helping Others
Another school year has ended and where did the time go? I am so proud of the students of Chatelech Secondary and all SD46 Graduates of 2013. It was a wonderful opportunity to address the Chatelech Graduating Class of 2013 on behalf of the Board of Education. I love celebrating student successes as a school trustee, but also as this class’s former Math 8 & 9 teacher. Truly an honour. Congratulations to all SD46 Graduates, albeit at Kindergarten, Grade 7, or Grade 12. Thank you to the Sunshine Coast community for financially supporting our SD46 graduates with so many scholarships and bursaries. On the SD46 Board of Education, it’s been another awesome year as we move forward with Environmental Education, Early Learning, K-3 Reading Initiatives, Partnerships with Capilano University & other Community Organizations, and student trusteeship with a district student council. Have a great summer graduates, staff, and students of SD46. Looking forward to another great school year.
Written by Christine Ho Younghusband, June 28th, 2013 | Comments Off on High School Graduation
I love my kid’s determination and perseverance. Ever since she was a little girl, she was always fascinated by my ability to lift up one eyebrow. I am able to raise my left eyebrow and she is determined to do the same. As you can see, she is still working on it. Mastery. “Keep trying honey and you will succeed.” This sounds vaguely familiar. Oh waits… it’s much like me and my dissertation. “Keep trying Christine and you will succeed.” I am enamored by university professors, researchers, and sessional instructors. One step at a time… a good friend once told me. I’m starting to take some steps and realizing that there are many steps. Much like my kid, I am determined, persistent, and making progress. Last week, I got formative feedback from both members of my EdD supervising committee. Loved it. I learned a tonne and it’s only going to get better. I am optimistic and look forward to taking more steps. BELIEVE and it will happen.
Written by Christine Ho Younghusband, June 27th, 2013 | Comments Off on Mastery
Celebrating Education SD46 Style… This is one of the greatest benefits of being a school trustee. I have the unique opportunity to celebrate education with students, parents, and staff in a diverse number of ways. Today’s CYH Edu-Blog entry is stepping away from it’s typical framework. This time I will share a sample of photos of edu-events I’ve attended to this week. Pictures speak more than words. All I can say is, THANK YOU staff, students, and parents for making it happen. Your work is greatly appreciated and I am proud to serve you on the SD46 Board of Education.
PLEASE SCROLL – 8 PHOTOS INCLUDED – SD46 (SUNSHINE COAST)
Halfmoon Bay Elementary Talent Show 2013
SD46 Culinary Arts Professional Program Level 1 Graduation Ceremony 2013
Sunshine Coast Teachers’ Association Teacher Celebration 2013
Ms. Anthony’s Grade 2/3 Class Performing “Romeo & Juliet” at Halfmoon Bay Elementary 2013
West Sechelt Elementary PAC Fundraiser – Carnival 2013
Ms. Sproule’s History 12 Exam Preparation Performance at Chatelech Secondary
SD46 Long Serving Employees 2013 – More than 30 years of service
SD46 Retirement Luncheon 2013 at the Sunshine Coast Golf Course
Written by Christine Ho Younghusband, June 22nd, 2013 | Comments Off on Celebrating Education
For the longest time I could never hear a compliment. There was a small part of me that knew I was doing a good job at teaching mathematics but I could never acknowledge a compliment. It was almost like I would hear the compliment but I never believed the compliment. Are you talking about me? I was always striving in my teaching practice. That is what I loved about teaching in public schools. I loved that there was so much to learn. I could always be better, do something different, or find new ideas to create and innovate with. Once I got something, I was on to the next “shiny new” edu-thing. I get that same satisfaction now from graduate studies, self-employment, and local politics. What’s different now is, I can hear a compliment. I love being called a “math-whisper” or being offered a delicious “Vegas Roll” for lunch. For teachers, whether in the practice or not, the most effective source of motivation is the compliment. Thank you!
Written by Christine Ho Younghusband, June 20th, 2013 | Comments Off on Accepting a Compliment
Another amazing year serving on the SD46 Board of Education (Sunshine Coast). It is half way through my term as school trustee and we just had our June 2013 Regular Meeting on June 11th. I love how we start our meetings with a “Celebration of Education” presentation. Our first presentation was by Belinda Dinsmore. She is a student from Chatelech Secondary and member of the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Club. She shared her learning experiences at a national conference held in Toronto. Our second presentation was by Sandy Middleton from the Sunshine Coast Literacy Coalition. She shared this year’s District Plan and Clarence Joe’s digital storytelling. Both presentations were absolutely amazing! The regular meeting resumed as per usual, but I would like to highlight a recommendation from the Committee to the Whole that was presented to the Board of Education. It was about student trustees. This topic was discussed at the BCSTA AGM 2013, but the motion was defeated. Along side with the SD39 Vancouver Board of Education, the SD46 Sunshine Coast Board of Education unanimously voted in favor of a student trustee and district student leadership team for 2013/14. This is a progressive move made by the SD46 Board of Education and I’m excited. We are leaders in BC public education and I look forward to having the students’ voice at the board table. Happy summer holidays to SD46 staff and students.
Written by Christine Ho Younghusband, June 16th, 2013 | Comments Off on Last Board Meeting
Look at me… I’m standing on the far left in both pictures in the blue fleece vest. I was young, pragmatic, and pregnant. I cannot believe that these photos were taken more than 10 years ago. Both of my Math 12 classes were situated “down the hill” from the high school in a kindergarten portable located beside the elementary school. At this time, the school district was growing and the high school was over populated and under construction. Although the school had 8 portables strategically aligned on the parking lot as a pseudo annex, there was no room for my two math classes. The rest of my job assignment was Career and Personal Planning (CAPP) 8-10, so I did not have 5 other math classes to merit a portable or classroom of my own. Be flexible. Why not? I changed my job assignment from a full-time math teacher to CAPP/math teacher. I was looking for change, so why not change locations too? Loved it. Loved making the portable into a Math 12 Mecca. Loved the kids. We had a tonne of fun and learning math was super fun. We were a family. This is what I truly miss about teaching in the classroom. I miss the relationships created with students. I miss the challenge of transforming student beliefs about learning math. I miss the creativity. I miss the crazy randomness of the classroom. Recently, I was asked (again), “Do you miss teaching?” This is a difficult question to answer. I miss many aspects of classroom teaching. Ultimately, I miss the kids. But I don’t miss teaching because I still teach. I tutor math. I facilitate workshops. And, I assist Master of Education students at SFU. “I am teaching.”
Written by Christine Ho Younghusband, June 14th, 2013 | Comments Off on Do You Miss Teaching?
The BCSTA South Coast Branch Meeting to Powell River was outstanding. The South Coast Branch is composed of three school districts: SD46 (Sunshine Coast), SD47 (Powell River), SD48 (Sea-to-Sky). We are the smallest BCSTA branch, but we have much to offer. Representatives from all three school districts were present in addition to the BCSTA President Teresa Rezansoff, BCSTA staff Sherri Moore-Arbour, and BCSTA Director Jane Kellett. On May 31st and June 1st, our host, SD47 Board of Education, did an excellent job highlighting the best of Powell River. First we toured Westview Elementary School, which will be opening on September 2013. The school had many unique features… a thoughtful construction. Then we ventured off to Brooks Secondary to have dinner at the Culinary Arts Restaurant. We were wowed with Brooks Secondary Musical Theatre Group, HUGE spot prawns, and the main course. I chose the lamb shank (as seen below). Others opted for chicken or halibut… equally delicious. During the dessert, SD46 Trustee Lori Pratt, this year’s South Coast Branch president, chaired our official meeting. Reports were shared, secretary elected, and our next meeting to be held online with Blackboard Illuminate. I was so impressed and this was only our first day. On day two, we reunited at Westview Elementary to head out to Haywire Bay. We toured the outdoor environmental education facilities, engaged in outdoor environmental education activities, and listened to SD48 Board of Education’s presentation on their school district’s Education Plan and Project Based Learning (PBL) initiative. Not only was the South Coast Branch meeting an awesome opportunity to network, share ideas, and celebrate our strengths… it was also a time to be inspired, learn, and consider what is possible. Thank you SD47 for a phenomenal field trip. I look forward to our next South Coast Branch meetings: online, at Academy 2013, and at SD48 (Sea-to-Sky).
Culinary Arts Program at Brooks Secondary – Lamb Shank
Written by Christine Ho Younghusband, June 11th, 2013 | Comments Off on South Coast Branch
Elected November 2011 from the District of Sechelt
Halfway through my term as school trustee and loving it!!! As a school teacher, I believed that “leadership” meant “school administration.” On the contrary. Leadership is about serving others and making a difference. I am able to accomplish this as a tutor, workshop facilitator, SFU site assistant, BCAMT executive member, curriculum developer, graduate student, and school trustee. This is only the beginning. I feel honoured to have so many diverse opportunities to lead and learn. I can be myself and speak my truth. This kind of authenticity is worth striving for and I hope to continue this way of being on my pedagogical journey. It feels good. Thank you to all of the wonderful people I’ve met and worked with in my various education leadership roles. You have been an inspiration to me. Leadership is an opportunity to listen, learn, and lead. It’s a gift. Looking forward to the second half of my term as school trustee.
Written by Christine Ho Younghusband, June 06th, 2013 | Comments Off on Love Leadership
I would like to consider myself an edu-explorer. Learning something new every day motivates me. For example, I recently sunk my teeth into a stick of chocolate covered bacon. Delicious. I’ve always wanted to try it and one more bucket list item achieved. What’s next? In education, I taught a wide variety of courses ranging from Keyboarding 9 to Calculus 12. I learned a tonne in 15 years of service in public schools. What’s next? Within a handful of years, I became an entrepreneur, doctoral candidate, politician, curriculum developer, public speaker, blogger, website developer, and site assistant at SFU… just to name a few accomplishments. What’s next? Dissertation completion. That entails ethics approval, gathering data, data analysis, lots of research, lots of writing, lots or rewriting, and an oral defense. I do best learning by doing. I am an experiential learner. It’s one step at a time. Mistakes will be made and that’s OK. Love Learning. Welcome to my pedagogical journey.
Written by Christine Ho Younghusband, June 05th, 2013 | Comments Off on Love Learning
