From staff:
This Educational Assistant example epitomizes the kind of responses we received:
“I think it is the many different ways we connect with the individual so they feel welcomed, safe and cared about. It is the holistic approach to education…beyond the realms of academics. This involves a substantial amount of listening instead of talking, and flexibility within structure. It’s about being open and intuitive to students’ needs. For example, one student told me that he hated school until he came to CityPark. He says he now loves school. Why? He says we don’t try to make him be like everyone else. We are friendly and always say hi. We are helpful but not pushy. We have a sense of humour. We are fun.”
From students:
“There are a lot of accepting people here.”
“The teachers give you your own space when doing your work. I love how they know that we can make it in life, and they believe in us.”
“I like the fact that the students welcome new members to the school and treat them as though they are one of them.”
“I really enjoy the staff, they get along with me well and I feel welcomed by them.”
Quotes for Advisory:
From students:
“I like how everyone gets around and how nice people are together. I love how the teachers are to the students because they are kind and understanding.”
“Well i like about my school is that i can chilll with my freinds and everybody that are my family such as sister and cuzzinsz i like to meet new people everyday .”
“Teachers are respectful, most students are nice.”
“Its fun, I get a lot of help when needed, the people and teachers that attend this school, the ways of learning, and how nice the teachers are.”
“I love that our school lets us explore different ways of learning different subjects. But i think we should have more Pep Rally's and stuff like that, to make the students come to school more.”
“it is good to belong somewhere is a great feeling to feel safe, not to be scared of someplace you go to school at”
“[belonging means] fitting in with a group of friends, knowing they except you the way you are”
“I really enjoy the staff they get along with me well. And i feel welcomed by them”
From teachers:
“I don’t think scheduled advisory made much difference. I think day to day sorts of things mean more. Perhaps it was different for the younger students, but my grade 12’s always groan and feel it gets in the way.”
“Overall, students prefer activities that are more cooperative in nature and less competitive”
“Our[Youth Advisory Council] students participated in bake sales, and organizing student events throughout the year, such as “so you think you can dance”. Overall, advisory or the promotion of a sense of belonging at CityPark has been very positive, but a lot of students and staff still do not understand the concept of advisory or what commitment is required to build and maintain a strong sense of belonging at CityPark as a community, instead of individual classes or groups. The whole is stronger than the individual pieces to our unique puzzle.”
Quotes culturalresponsiveness
From staff:
“At the Round Dance, the staff and students wearing their CityPark shirts gave us all a feeling of belonging. We were family together, working and playing, with respect for each other.”– EA
“I noticed during the Pow Wow that the aboriginal and non-aboriginal students had a sense of pride. They all had their heads held high and seemed to feel a part of the whole experience. I was glad to see it and enjoyed being there. I like to hear the interaction between students and staff here….there is a joking, warm feeling that I have not seen in any other building I have worked at. I think the atmosphere makes the kids feel welcome and that they are part of the makeup of the school.” – Library Technician
From students:
“I’ve gotten involved in beading in the culture room, and liked the [round] dance. My culture is important to me”