"The students are the curriculum."

Savanah, a student at St. Mary's, gave me this note at the end of our school's first-ever "Innovation Week" which took place earlier this month. Throughout my career I've been fortunate to receive similar messages, on occasion, from students and parents. I think I speak for all teachers when I say it's pretty awesome to get this kind of feedback.

About 18 years ago while in teacher's college, I worked with long-time WCDSB teacher Tony Grant whose passion for teaching and learning was contagious. At that time, Tony was apt to say, "The students are the curriculum." To this day, I continue to think about Tony's words and to be mindful that no matter what my role is in education, I need to start my planning with the students in mind. I need to meet the students where they are and help them move forward.

If you feel inclined to share, I'd love to hear about the positive feedback that you've received from a student or a parent.