As news of COVID-19 began to unfold earlier this month, I thought to myself, “Well, this is a first.” Nowhere in any Head of School handbook that I’ve read was there a chapter entitled “Managing A Global Pandemic.”  So I’m sure you’ll understand when I say that I’m writing this chapter as I go. Last […]

“When your headlights aren’t on, the best rear-view mirror available isn’t likely to improve your driving.” I love this quote by Martha Rogers, Professor of Business at Duke University. To me, it speaks to the challenge of shaping education in the 21st century. It was a quote I thought a lot about when we were […]

This month at the Castle we’re celebrating 25 years of black history in Canada. Actually, we’re celebrating more than 150 years of black history but it was 25 years ago when Jean Augustine, or to be precise The Honourable Jean Augustine Queen’s Privy Council, Companion of the Order of Canada, introduced a motion in Parliament […]

“This is the time for facts, not fear. This is the time for science, not rumours. This is the time for solidarity, not stigma.” These words from Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization are helpful at a time when global concern over the coronavirus is mounting. The Public Health Agency of Canada […]

Is it quintessentially Canadian to curl up on the sofa with a blanket, a cup of tea, a stack of newspapers, books and an iPad when winter winds begin to howl and snow begins to fall? Canadian or not, it’s how I spent much of my Saturday. And as there was no point in shovelling […]

It was a miracle that saved two teenage girls from the trap of human trafficking, and I do literally mean a miracle. American Airlines ticketing agent Denice Miracle called in backup when two girls presented themselves at the Sacramento International Airport ticket counter with no proper luggage, no parents to see them off and no […]

Dr. Leanne Foster’s Address at this year’s Holiday Dinners: At this time of year, social media ramps up stories of holiday cheer and kindness. I admit to being a bit of a softie when it comes to those “tug at the heartstrings” commercials and videos of cute puppies climbing clumsily out of a box wrapped […]

Let’s first acknowledge the incredible recognition given to climate crisis activist, 16-year-old Greta Thunberg who was named Time’s Person of the Year for 2019. In just over one year, she has gone from standing alone outside the Swedish Parliament to protest the government’s lack of action on global warming to championing a worldwide movement supported […]

Next Tuesday is #GivingTuesday. As we approach the day dedicated to giving something of ourselves rather than receiving or purchasing something for ourselves, it’s important to reflect on what giving means to us. Giving, community support, shared goals, working toward or contributing to something bigger than ourselves, are values that we are instilling in each […]

Recently, our Grade 9s participated in the first of six workshops designed to help them explore the important questions of adolescence: Who am I?  What is my value?  How can I make an impact?  Facilitated by leadership coach, Shauna Barnes, M.Ed., these workshops are the first part of a four-year journey of self-discovery that will […]