Creating Virtual Spaces for Connection

Across the country, the continent, the globe, educators and families are adjusting to a school life that no longer takes place in the school building, where teachers and students connect over phone and internet; where adults juggle their work responsibilities and parenting while co-teaching. As Dean of Students at Riverstone International School, this transition to virtual learning has brought up many questions about my own role: how can I best support my students as they go through this experience?

The virtual learning experience has honestly pushed me as an educator and creator. We’re so lucky to already have opportunities for student connection built into our schedule, with weekly Assembly (see featured image above) and twice-weekly Advisory. These connection points are continuing virtually, with kids gathering online to hear updates, share stories, play games, and learn. The challenges that virtual Assembly and Advisory present are opportunities for all of us to stretch our definitions of “together” and look outside the box for inspiration. In doing so, Assembly and Advisory connect us all even more than they did before.

When individual students have academic or personal concerns or “hot spots” where they need additional support, our team comes together to immediately help address these issues. This team includes the student’s teachers; School Counselor, Andrea Kuenzli; Outdoor Education and Service Learning Coordinator, Derek Wright; and Program Coordinators Damon Brown (Middle Years Programme) or Jami Whitmer (Diploma Programme). If we can’t be “there” for students in person, we are there in every virtual sense imaginable to help them through this challenging time.

I am glad I can create spaces where my students feel brave enough to share themselves, engage with others, and ask difficult questions. Today, this new space–the one of virtual learning, of my office being a link instead of a room–is a brave space.

Being Dean of Students means continuing to create, support, and nurture the brave spaces around us, and to help take care of all of us, including myself, who are coming into them each day. Welcome to the brave space of our new world, Otters. I’m so glad you’re here with me.