Day 5 came to a close with great enthusiasm and an awareness of how preconceived notions change:
When the group of new principals and vice principals arrived, many of the facillitators were in agreement that this years participants were a quiet bunch. Deep thinkers and a wide range of experiences that allowed each group be very respectful.
Then it happened.
With comfort came a ‘loudness’ throughout the groups. The respectfulness and deep thinking continued but the discussions got louder, more passionate, and people were able to speak more freely.
Good reminder that when the school year starts, whether in your classroom or throughout the school, how the ‘crowd’ starts isn’t indicative of how (in a culture of openness, honesty, supportiveness, inquiry etc) things can quickly come alive!