One week ago today, on Friday February 12th, 2021, Newfoundland and Labrador re-entered Alert Level 5 under Dr. Fitzgerald's direction, which meant a province wide shift to online learning. For NLESD that meant a shift to Scenario 3.

Many students, families, and educators perhaps felt some deja vu - a reminder of when our province's schools closed following Friday March 13th, 2020 when the pandemic's effect landed in our province. However, this time around our shift to online learning has been met with a strong sense of collaboration, and collective efficacy is driving the learning forward; our character as resilient Newfoundlanders and Labradorians is the 'wind in the sails' propelling the NLESD ship forward through the sea of online learning. There have been some surges, swells, and perhaps even a rogue wave or two - but the collaboration, support, and 'ALL HANDS ON DECK' mentality is keeping the ship moving forward. In fact, many conversations I have had with students and educators alike indicate that often the sailing has been met with smooth seas.

What's behind this success?
 
Check out the hashtag #NLESDVirtualTips if you want to see the seeds of re-imagining learning taking root & growing. Indeed, in some cases - the flowers of reimagining learning are bursting through the soil and reaching for the sun.

Educators are watering one another's gardens of learning as they share, co-create. innovate, and support one another as learners. Again, just a cursory glance at the sharing using #NLESDVirtualTips may have you left, as I was, in sheer AWE thinking about what is possible in education. What might not be as apparent as the spirit of collaboration, one of the 6Cs, is a term used in education called 'collective efficacy.'  

Collective Efficacy is one of the 7 determinants of our province's new school development model. I can tell you that it is one of those phrases I read, which seems to make sense to me, but that I have found hard to articulate at times. That being said, I have to come to understand 'collective efficacy' as an individual, or team's, belief that they can do something. Currently, I feel a strong sense of collective efficacy in our province's educators that they can indeed teach effectively & engage students in online learning.

I am CELEBRATING all the rich learning I have seen evidence of these past 3 days in our NLESD schools. WAY TO GO STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS! 

Thanks for reading,

Richard   

P.S. 

​Richard is Learning:

• Woodworking: hoping to build an Adirondack chair over the winter
• Gardening: expanding on my knowledge and 'know-how' for 2021 season
• Podcasting: learning about this medium and how to produce a quality show. Working with Stephen Hurley from VoicEd Radio on a podcast for my deep learning project on Joyful Learning (check out the tab on my website).
• Facilitating Online Professional Learning: I am wondering about how to extend my face-2-face PL with educators using virtual tools. 
• Appreciative Inquiry
• Deep Learning Lesson Design 
• Joyful Learning Moment: I had two great online classes this week. One was sharing my career story with Mrs. Spurrell's Clarenville High School Career Education class and the other was with Mme. Domino's Grade 9 Health class who I am collaborating with for a deep learning project on Inclusive Sexual Health as part of their unit of study on sexual health. If you have a #joyfullearning moment, share it with me on Twitter: @MrChurchillNL 

Richard is Listening to:

• Sam Fischer - Homework album.
• Spencer Burton - Coyote (A new musician I just found on Apple Music)
• Charlie Hope - Oliver and I love this children's musician. Check out 'Train Song'
• Communication Results in Assessment and Grading ft. Tom Schimmer on 'Hurley in the Morning' 

Richard is Reading: 

• Ungrading: Why Rating Students Undermines Learning (and What to Do Instead) (Susan Blum)
• Coherence: The Right Drivers in Action for Schools, Districts, and Systems (Fullan & Quinn)
• Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. (Brown) 
• Self-Reg Schools (Shanker) 
• How to Raise a Wild Child: The Art and Science of Falling in Love with Nature (Sampson)
• The Wake (MacIntyre)
• Rapture: Fifteen Teams, Four Countries, One NBA Championship, and How to Find a Way to Win -- Damn Near Anywhere (Nurse)

Richard is Watching:

• The Toronto Raptors
• The Toronto Maple Leafs
• The Social Dilemma 
• Dr. David Tranter's 'Third Path' - Importance of Well-Being and Learning

Richard is Wondering:

• What will I learn in 2021?
• How are teachers coping? What do they need? How can I help them?
• How are students feeling about online learning?
• How long will we be in Scenario 3 for NLESD Schools?
• How long will our province be in Alert Level 5?
• What is Oliver going to learn next?
• What would help our students find joy in learning?
• What makes Learning Joyful?
• How can I help educators learn and grow in 2021?

Richard likes these Links:

• Quiz Maker | Make Amazing Online Quizzes in Minutes (Credit: Don Perry - DOS, NLESD)
• NLESD PL WEBSITE
• Mrs. Lindsey Power's Guidance Page (Some Great Resources for Students/Caregivers)
• Ms. Gushue's Counsellor's Corner (Some Great Resources - ESP Mindfulness)
• https://www.ancnl.ca/satellite-offices/ - EXCITED to WELCOME Association for New Canadians to Clarenville! 

Have you experienced a loss? My guess is most anyone would answer 'yes' to that question because loss is an inevitable part of our human existence; but perhaps what many might not be able to say 'yes' to is this: did you have support as you grieved?

I suspect that many people experience many losses, but the level of support one has is as varied as you can imagine. This week I am so grateful that when my wife, son, cat, and I said so long to Prince and we had one another - as well as a large circle of family and friends to help us in our early days of grief, but I am also finding myself reflecting on the people who don't have that support; and wondering how we can provide it. 
That was one lesson in loss I had this week. Another is perspective; how we look at loss.

Is my perspective that the loss of Prince is so devastating emotionally (I have shed some serious tears this week) that I will never have another dog and experience this again? For me, right now - I would have to say a big NO to that. Losing Prince is one of the HARDEST losses of my life, but I cannot imagine not having the 9 years of memories Rebecca, Alexus (my cat), Oliver, and I have from his time with us. I would absolutely sign-up for another dog when the time is right because Prince brought so much joy, fun, and adventure into our lives - and I want Oliver to experience that. Perspective doesn't come naturally - we have to be intentional in how we view the hard things in life, but it is easier to find good when you have support, which is why I feel so strongly that no one should ever have to ensure loss in isolation. 

Another lesson in loss I learned this week is that we all grieve differently. There's no recipe for how long it lasts, how many tears we shed, how many posts we make, how many stories we tell, how we choose to honour the loss, or anything relating to grief. Like so much in life: it's individual preference and based on what you need to begin the journey of healing. 

So, Prince, thank-you for 9 years of amazing adventures, wonderful walks, sleepy snuggles, kind kisses, lots of love, furry friendship, and so much more. I know you would want us to give another dog a taste of the life you enjoyed with us; and someday when the time is right; we will get another dog. It might be when a dog shows up at the SPCA, or if Oliver asks for a dog at breakfast. Whatever the opening is for that next chapter in our lives: I will remember these words: 'Happy Ears'; Happy Years. 

'Happy Ears'; Happy Years
I'll never forget our first walk.
It was a sunny day
To walk around 'the harbour',
And my soul was singing with glee.

As we walked, I noticed the way your ears
Frolicked joyfully as you pranced along -
Stopping now and then for a sniff;
Or to pee.

You loved your walks; your K-L-A-Ws.
It's when your 'happy ears' were happiest -
Bouncing up and down in perfect rhythm with each step.
Our walks gave you happy years.

I will never forget our walks, Prince;
And your 'happy ears';
For they gave us - your Fur Mom & Dad -
So many HAPPY YEARS.

Thanks for Reading,

​Richard

P.S. 

​Richard is Learning:

• Woodworking: hoping to build an Adirondack chair over the winter
• Gardening: expanding on my knowledge and 'know-how' for 2021 season
• Podcasting: learning about this medium and how to produce a quality show. Working with Stephen Hurley from voicEd Radio on a podcast for my deep learning project on Joyful Learning (check out the tab on my website).
• Facilitating Online Professional Learning: I am wondering about how to extend my face-2-face PL with educators using virtual tools. (UPDATE: had 2 really great Google Meets on Friday. One with @HNMA for a Literacy Week Read Aloud, and another with a colleague to do some pre-work in advance of a visit to their school to help with SEL universal insruction)
• Appreciative Inquiry
• Network Theory (with thanks to Georgina Lake)
• Deep Learning Lesson Design (collaborating with Rodney Boutcher) 
• Joyful Learning Of The Week (#joyfullearningOTW): I had 2 days of meetings diving into data collection for student behaviour (SEL Skill Development) and best practices for the current tool we use for this data, which is Review 360. It was some of the best learning I have had in this position. Big thanks to our lead  Debbie Howse for bringing us together and leading us in this important work.
• If you have a #joyfullearningOTW moment, share it with me on Twitter: @MrChurchillNL ​

Richard is Listening to:

• Sam Fischer - Homework album.
• Tones & I - The Kids are Coming. *FRESH FRESH FRESH SOUND*
• Brené with Melinda Gates on The Moment of Lift
  • ​​That prompted this thread of thought and reflection from me.
• LEx CONVERSATIONS - Charles Pascal
  In Conversation with Stephen Hurley
  • ​Bell ringer idea from that episode: In education strive for this: It's not about who is right; it's about WHAT IS RIGHT.
    
    

Richard is Reading: 

• Ungrading: Why Rating Students Undermines Learning (and What to Do Instead) (Susan Blum)
• Coherence: The Right Drivers in Action for Schools, Districts, and Systems (Fullan & Quinn)
• Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. (Brown) 
• Self-Reg Schools (Shanker) 
• How to Raise a Wild Child: The Art and Science of Falling in Love with Nature (Sampson)
• The Woman in the Attic (Hepditch) - an NL Reads 22020 Selection
• Rapture: Fifteen Teams, Four Countries, One NBA Championship, and How to Find a Way to Win -- Damn Near Anywhere (Nurse)
• The Wake - Linden MacIntyre

Richard is Watching:

• The Queen's Gambit (UPDATE: FINISHED & LOVED IT!)
• The Social Dilemma - on DECK!
  

Richard is Wondering:

• What will I learn in 2021?
• What is Oliver going to learn next?
• What would help our students find joy in learning?
• What makes Learning Joyful?
• How can I help educators learn and grow in 2021?
• Will we soon get some snow in Clarenville? I miss cross country skiing and snowshoeing! 
• How can I be more supportive for my wife and continue to strive for a balanced approach to running our home and raising our child.
• Is the Covid-19 curve going to begin to rise in NL?
  
• Is Prince running wild and free?
  
• Who will be interested in being a guest on my new podcast: The Joyful Learner 

Last week I had the pleasure of connecting with Stephen Hurley from voicEd Radio about podcasting. Stephen and I collaborated on a live broadcast/podcasting project over the summer of 2020, which was The Little Book Club of Restorative Justice in Education. I have developed a great learning partnership with Stephen and I am looking forward to learning with him as we collaborate on my next podcast project, which is going to be sharing stories of joyful learning.   

What I want you to think about now is who are you learning with? Who are your students learning with? Learning partnerships are 1 of the 4 Elements of Learning Design in Michael Fullan's New Pedagogies for Deep Learning framework. The NPDL team describe the vision of learning partnerships as follows:

"Students and teachers aren't only partnering with one another but are also creatively finding ways to partner with others across classes, schools, and countries and with parents [guardians], experts, and the community. The new relationships have the potential to reframe learning by connecting learners to authentic opportunities locally, nationally, and globally." (Dive into Deep Learning: Tools for Engagement, pg. 58)

Allow me to share why I chose to engage in a learning partnership with voicEd Radio. For one, the audience that tunes into voicEd Radio is well established; in which case I figured I would have the opportunity to share my podcast with national, and even international, listeners. Secondly, Stephen is a wonderful mentor. He has a lot of experience with producing podcasts/radio and I have been learning, quite joyfully I will add, about podcasting from his expertise. Thirdly, he has a great network of learners who are podcasting for voicEd radio who I can connect with, learn with, and that will help grow my professional learning network. Rather than working independently and trying to get this podcast project off the ground myself, I have a learning partner who can help me grow my podcast project idea in ways I might never have conceived possible. 

Do you have a learning project happening now professionally? In your class? How might a learning partnership deepen the learning? Who might you be able to connect your students with to help them in their learning? Who might you connect with to learn from their expertise in a growth area you have identified (professionally or personally)?

I would love to hear about some of the learning partnerships that you're using when you are designing learning; you can share them in a Tweet to @MrChurchillNL, via email richardchurchill@nlesd.ca, or in the comments below. 

Thanks for reading,

​Richard 

P.S. 

​Richard is Learning:

• Woodworking: hoping to build an Adirondack chair over the winter
• Gardening: expanding on my knowledge and 'know-how' for 2021 season
• Podcasting: learning about this medium and how to produce a quality show. Working with Stephen Hurley from voicEd Radio on a podcast for my deep learning project on Joyful Learning (check out the tab on my website).
• Facilitating Online Professional Learning: I am wondering about how to extend my face-2-face PL with educators using virtual tools. 
• Appreciative Inquiry
• Network Theory (with thanks to Georgina Lake)
• Deep Learning Lesson Design (collaborating with Rodney Boutcher) 
• Joyful Learning Of The Week (#joyfullearningOTW): I had a really great day of learning and connecting with the students and staff at Jane Collins Academy on Thursday January 14th, as well as a day sharing the story The Crayon Box that Talked with the Riverside Elementary kindergarten classes on Wednesday January 13th. We learned all about the importance of being unique and working together.
• If you have a #joyfullearningOTW moment, share it with me on Twitter: @MrChurchillNL ​

Richard is Listening to:

• Sam Fischer - Homework album.
• Brené on Words, Actions, Dehumanization, and Accountability
• UDL in a Flexible Learning Landscape - Katie Novak - The #InnovatorsMindset Podcast Season 2 Ep 2

Richard is Reading: 

• Ungrading: Why Rating Students Undermines Learning (and What to Do Instead) (Susan Blum)
• Coherence: The Right Drivers in Action for Schools, Districts, and Systems (Fullan & Quinn)
• Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. (Brown) 
• Self-Reg Schools (Shanker) 
• How to Raise a Wild Child: The Art and Science of Falling in Love with Nature (Sampson)
• The Woman in the Attic (Hepditch) - an NL Reads 22020 Selection
• Rapture: Fifteen Teams, Four Countries, One NBA Championship, and How to Find a Way to Win -- Damn Near Anywhere (Nurse)

Richard is Watching:

• The Queen's Gambit

Richard is Wondering:

• What will I learn in 2021?
• What is Oliver going to learn next?
• What would help our students find joy in learning?
• What makes Learning Joyful?
• How can I help educators learn and grow in 2021?
• Will we soon get some snow in Clarenville? I miss cross country skiing and snowshoeing! 
  

2020 is a year I will never forget. The primary reason it will be unforgettable is that my wife and I had the joy of welcoming our son, Oliver, to the world on August 29th, 2020 at 3:24 p.m. I'm happy to report that he is healthy, joyful, and learning everyday!

However, 2020 also will be unforgettable for other reasons: a global pandemic; working from home; reimagining learning as we navigate a crisis; anti-black racism and BLM; the US election; and seeing as how we love weather here in Newfoundland and Labrador I would be remiss if I did not mention Snowmaggedon. 2020 was an unprecedented year.  In particular, I found the fall of 2020 very challenging.

Like many educators and students, I love the feeling of 'Back-2-School.' I love new pens, new notebooks, new clothes, and the buzz of excitement and energy that a new school year creates. It seems the opportunities to learn are endless when a new school year begins. However, I struggled this year in my return to work​.

After having some time to reflect over the holidays, I feel I am better able to understand why I found this fall so difficult. For one, I was living through a major life change: becoming a parent for the first time. As a result, I was perhaps surviving more than thriving most days due to less sleep than normal, more energy needed at home as I parented and interacted with my son, and that was paired that with the weight of the responsibility involved in raising a child (who was born in 2020 - a year with much stress already). It took a toll on my work. I was less focused, less creative, and I found my enthusiasm and optimism for education was challenged; but the good news is  I am feeling much more energized and restored in the first week back in 2021.

I'm happy to report that the holiday break gave me the space and time to renew; refresh; and reconnect. Those 3Rs also happen to be this year's NLTA Education Week theme and I think they're very fitting for the year in education we're all living. It has never been more important to make time for renewal; to refresh and recharge your batteries, and to reconnect (though safely) with the friends, family, and colleagues who fill your cup.

One of my favorite activities over the holiday break was a hike on New Year's eve with some friends and their children. I was able to reconnect socially, bask in the beauty of nature's restorative colors, scents, and sights, and regaining time to be physically active with my son was very renewing. Look out 2021! I'm back! 

It takes some courage and vulnerability to be introspective and share with others when you're not feeling yourself, or if you're struggling, but it's important. I shared how I was feeling this fall with my #SISNL (Safe & Inclusive Schools Itinerants - BEST TEAM!) and they were very empathetic and supportive. I didn't need answers, rather I wanted someone to listen so that I could share how I was feeling. Naming and vocalizing how I felt helped me move forward and get out a few ruts I found myself navigating in my work this fall.

We have to look out for each other, and make time for connecting and checking in, as we continue to engage in learning with our students in 2021. The students need us; and we have to be our best selves to learn with them each day. 

My challenge to you is this: look around you at the educators, students, staff, and community members who share your buildings each day; do you see someone whose spark needs lighting? Lend them your spark. I hope my little blog post might lend some of my spark to someone who needs it today, tomorrow, or whenever you might stumble upon this blog post. Be well. All my best wishes to you for a happy, healthy, joyful, learning filled 2021. 

Thanks for reading,

Richard

P.S. 

​Richard is Learning:

• Woodworking: hoping to build an Adirondack chair over the winter
• Gardening: expanding on my knowledge and 'know-how' for 2021 season
• Podcasting: learning about this medium and how to produce a quality show. Working with Stephen Hurley from voicEd Radio on a podcast for my deep learning project on Joyful Learning (check out the tab on my website).
• Facilitating Online Professional Learning: I am wondering about how to extend my face-2-face PL with educators using virtual tools. 
• Appreciative Inquiry
• Deep Learning Lesson Design 
• Joyful Learning Moment: I am engaged in another #NLESDbookclub that started this week. We're digging into Ungrading by Susan Blum. E-mail me if you're interested in joining. A second joyful learning moment was engaging in a rich conversation with DOS, Don Perry, around connection and relationships in our schools. If you have a #joyfullearning moment, share it with me on Twitter: @MrChurchillNL 

Richard is Listening to:

• Sam Fischer - Homework album.
• Unlocking Us: Brené Brown with Tim Ferriss and Dax Shepard on
  Podcasting, Daily Practices, and the Long and Winding Path to Healing
• In Conversation with Stephen Hurley:  Charles Ungerleider

Richard is Reading: 

• Ungrading: Why Rating Students Undermines Learning (and What to Do Instead) (Susan Blum)
• Coherence: The Right Drivers in Action for Schools, Districts, and Systems (Fullan & Quinn)
• Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. (Brown) 
• Self-Reg Schools (Shanker) 
• How to Raise a Wild Child: The Art and Science of Falling in Love with Nature (Sampson)
• The Woman in the Attic (Hepditch) - an NL Reads 22020 Selection
• Rapture: Fifteen Teams, Four Countries, One NBA Championship, and How to Find a Way to Win -- Damn Near Anywhere (Nurse)

Richard is Watching:
The Queen's Gambit
Richard is Wondering:

• What will I learn in 2021?
• How are teachers coping? What do they need? How can I help them?
• How are students feeling?
• What is Oliver going to learn next?
• What would help our students find joy in learning?
• What makes Learning Joyful?
• Will the US rebound from this past week's turmoil?
• How much longer will we be living with Covid-19 restrictions?
• How can I help educators learn and grow in 2021?

​ 

Do you like roller coasters? Would you ride this one? I can tell you that roller coasters are not my cup of tea; granted this sentiment is based on a limited experience of riding roller coasters (and perhaps a fear stemming from one too many puking incidents following trying rides at Thomas Amusements such as 'The Sidewinder'). Lately, I have been thinking about the pandemic as the #covidcoaster.

I came to use this analogy for the pandemic because of the 'highs' and 'lows' I have been experiencing. Can you relate? In nature terms, I might describe it as 'peaks' and 'valleys', however the important thing is not so much the analogy as it is the feelings I am experiencing. 

The pandemic's effect on my world came during St. Patrick's Day weekend. It was preceded by a great week of 'highs'.

I had just returned from a quick 'baby moon' trip with my wife to Toronto to see some of our friends and take in Come From Away (5 STARS). 

On Tuesday March 10 and Wednesday March 11th I had the pleasure of attending the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District's conference for Leading Learners: Good at Learning Good at Life, which was two days of ABSOLUTE JOYFUL LEARNING.  

Following the conference I had two enjoyable days of 'Face-2-Face' meetings at the Confederation Building with some of my colleagues; little did I know they would be the last 'Face-2-Face' meetings for the foreseeable future. Little did I know that my family visits that week in St. John's would be the last before bubbling, social distancing, physical distancing, and #stayhome were the new reality.

Covid 19 was like a bank of fog sitting just outside St. John's harbour on a spring morning; slowly, but surely, it came creeping into the narrows as it swallowed Signal Hill, the Basilica, and The Rooms in it's wake. Newfoundlanders & Labradorians now look to Captain Fitzgerald, and her mates Ball and Haggie, as we weather a storm that could rival any Nor'Easter. To borrow an idiom, 'Calm seas may never made good sailors', and the pandemic has surely shown what strong sailors we have in Newfoundland and Labrador.

In one week life as we knew it changed. 

I started working from home on Tuesday March 17th, and now 2 months has passed. It's been a roller coaster. At first, I was excited by the opportunities this new way of working would create for professional learning, professional reading, development of new competencies, time to connect, and to experiment with new, and innovative, ways of learning. Indeed, it has proffered many of these wonderful opportunities.

I have learned so much during this period from webinars, reading, podcasts, meetings, and more. One project I am particularly proud to have been a part of is the creation of NLESD's Learning -at-Home website and print resource. Further, I have found being creative very fulfilling. I have used my social media platforms on Twitter & Facebook, paired with Youtube and my website, to do my small part to share some support for learning at home with 'Music for Mondays' and 'Friday Family Read Alouds'. Also, I have been trying to spend more time writing by journaling and blogging.

My work days before the pandemic were a mixed bag of visiting schools to work with students and educators and office days preparing for this work, as well as supporting both NLESD and Department of Education projects, which often involved Skype video calls.

Now my days are jam packed with both Skype calls and Google Meets. I prepare for work the same as I would when I was leaving home: right down to continuing my #tietuesdays. I like to dress for work because it helps me mentally prepare for work each day. Also, I have been using mindfulness to help settle my mind and focus on my intentions for each work day.

Sure, it sounds like it's been all 'highs' doesn't it? This pandemic isn't so much a roller coaster as it is a calm day 'out in boat.'

Until . . . 

The #covidcoaster is slowly climbing; its are wheels squeaking and creaking as it nears the crest of a high point in the track's construction - a moment's pause - the world is still; and then it plummets down into a spiral of gut wrenching, stomach turning loops and twists.

I lose my focus. I scream on the inside: what is happening in this WORLD? The voice in my head becomes more negative: What ifs are replaced with BUTS and CANTS. Drive and ambition is challenged by worry and fear. Focus fights procrastination, which is fueled by anxiety of the unknown. These are the feelings I experience when the #covidcoaster changes course. It is unsettling and challenging. However, I have strategies for these 'lows'. 

My first and foremost strategy is physical activity. When I am feeling low, worried, anxious, fearful, or my focus has been lost, I change into my cycling kit, hop on my bike, and hit the road or trails. Cycling creates a calm. I breathe in the fresh air; feel the wind on my face; hear the gulls' cacophony above; see the sun shining on Random Sound; and smell the musty leaves after the rain. With each pedal stroke my mind calms. A run does the same, as does a hike, or walk with my dog. Nature time heals and soothes the soul. I hope that you, my dear reader, are making time for nature in this pandemic. If you want some proof of how beneficial it is, listen to Chapter 51 of Neil Pasricha's podcast: 3 Books and learn about forest bathing from Dr. Qing Li. It's a great episode! (Thanks to colleague Georgina Lake for putting me onto this podcast). 

A second strategy that I have been using to help with the #covidcoaster lows is mindfulness. Mindfulness is a practice, and it's benefits are many. Personally, I use Calm, but there are so many wonderful resources out there that you can use. When our bodies are dysregulated, it is important to find our inner calm, and mindfulness helps me achieve that. What's your strategy? I will also note that when I don't make time for mindfulness I notice a definite difference in my focus and work - especially during this strange and difficult time. 

People who know me are aware that I am a positive person. I am still very positive, and I have so much that I am thankful and grateful for right now. In my heart of hearts, I know that 'this too shall pass'; we will find our way forward as we learn to live with Covid 19. However, I believe it is so important to ensure we are listening to our hearts and minds as we chart the course forward. We need to be kind to others, but also with ourselves. There are going to be 'highs' and 'lows', and while we may not be fans of this particular roller coaster ride we are on, let's find some measure of comfort and calm that like all roller coaster rides - this one too shall end. 

Thanks for reading,

Richard 

P.S. 

​Richard is Learning:

• How to solve a Rubik's cube
• Woodworking: building bookshelves for nursery
• Gardening: expanding on my knowledge and 'know-how' for 2020 season
• Podcasting: learning about this medium and how to produce a quality show. Working with a team for a potential podcast around Restorative Justice in Education. 
• Facilitating Online Professional Learning: engaged in helping with the facilitation of the Responsive Teaching and Learning policy Learning Series PL
• Joyful Learning Moment: I took some time this past week to finally learn how to solve a Rubik's Cube. I used this video, and while the video is 24 mins long - it took a lot longer than that to finally solve the cube, but oh the JOY I felt when I finally solved it! If you have a #joyfullearning moment, share it with me on Twitter: @MrChurchillNL 

Richard is Listening to:

• Sherman Downey: New Beautiful (Excellent album from one of NL's best folk singers)
• Chapter 51 of 3 Books podcast by Neil Pasricha
• Innovator's Mindset Episode 17B: Personal & Authentic During Coronavirus - A convo with Tom Murray
• In Conversation with Stephen Hurley: A Place for Restoration ft. Rick Kelly
• ​Joel Plaskett: 44 (New album from one of Canada's best folk rockers!)
• Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit: Reunions

Richard is Reading: 

• Innovate Inside the Box: Empowering Learners Through UDL and the Innovator's Mindset (Couros and Novak)
• Coherence: The Right Drivers in Action for Schools, Districts, and Systems (Fullan & Quinn)
• Deep Learning: Engage the World Change the World (Fullan, Quinn, and McEachen)   
• How to Raise a Wild Child: The Art and Science of Falling in Love with Nature (Sampson)
• Oliver Twist (Dickens)
• Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry into the Value of Work (Crawford)   ​​

Richard is Watching:
The Last Dance
The Wire (Season 1)
Skate for Change: Ted Talk by Mike Smith (Thanks to colleague Niki O'Brien-MacDonald for sharing this)
Richard is Wondering:

• What is September going to look like for education?
• How are teachers coping? What do they need? How can I help them?
• How are graduating students feeling?
• How are retiring teachers feeling?
• When will I be able to get a haircut?
• How is our baby doing? (PPS: My wife is pregnant and expecting late August)
• What would help our students find joy in learning at home?
• What makes Learning Joyful?

I'm watching my fly bob along the ripples of the river; in the next moment my line goes tight and the whir of the reel's drag harmonizes with the gurgling river; my heart beat accelerates from a calm 4/4 rhythm to a rock-and-roll crescendo: salmon on. 

I cannot tell you how long that crescendo lasted, but I do know that it resulted in successfully landing this 65 centimetre Atlantic salmon; my first. I posed for a quick picture before my friend and I safely returned this Atlantic Salmon to the river because our maximum length for retention in Newfoundland and Labrador is 63 centimetres.    

You might be wondering what a story about salmon fishing has to do with joyful learning. Perhaps my smile in that picture is a hint.

When I returned to my position as a Safe & Inclusive Schools Itinerant with the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District for the 2019-2020 school year, one of my goals was to continue my learning around the idea of 'deep learning,' as our district is engaged in a learning partnership with Michael Fullan, and his team of educators, to find a shared depth of understanding about how deep learning can revitalize learning in our classrooms. As such, I decided to challenge myself to take on a personal deep learning project. 

I reflected on what I wanted to 'go deep' about, and I found myself reminiscing about learning how to salmon fish during the summer. It was so joyful!

I knew what an Atlantic Salmon was; I knew what a fly rod was; and I spent lots of time trouting; but angling for salmon is a pursuit of art and finesse. You can always improve, and there is so much to learn: how to cast, how to set-up your reel. knots to tie (like the nail knot) how to tie a fly, how to read a river, the laws to abide by, the effects of river temperatures and water levels on salmon, and so much more.

By way of example, I learned that Salmon don't go after your fly to eat (because they don't eat once they leave the ocean to spawn), rather it is the angler playing at their instincts.

Truly, to salmon fish is an exercise in patience and self regulation when you are met with failure. You can't give up! I did not successfully land a salmon to tag and bring home for a meal, but that's my goal for this coming summer (if our salmon fishing season can happen safely during the #COVID19 pandemic).

Why did I find this experience so joyful?

That was the hook; how can we create learning in our classrooms that is joyful? How can we engage students so that they can experience joyful learning? That was what I wanted to 'go deep' about: What Makes Learning Joyful? 

So I created a Google Form and asked people to share their answers with me in the hopes that I can find some themes and "BIG ROCKS" about how we can make learning more joyful for students.

This isn't to say that there is no joyful learning in schools, because if you go to our @NLESDCA Twitter feed you will find countless examples of joyful learning, but I want more students to find their inner sense of joy when learning; in fact, I want ALL STUDENTS (& educators) to find that joy.

George Couros has a great quote in his new book Innovate Inside the Box: Empowering Learners Through UDL and the Innovator's Mindset about the importance of learning for educators, which reads: "If you want to be a master educator, you need to be a master learner." (pg. 81) If we create JOYFUL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING, educators will be engaged and energized! IT WILL BE LASTING LEARNING, not ONE & DONE days of 'sit and get'.

I will leave you with one experience from one of the survey respondents: 

"There are so many, so it’s difficult to pick just one. Generally, hands-on or meaningful activities made learning joyful. One particular experience stands out from high school. I had a couple of teachers that really believed in me and took me under their wing. On one field trip day, they had set up something special just for me. While our school traveled to another town for skating at the stadium, I visited a classroom that had some students with special needs. (That was an area of interest from the time I was a very young child - having a cousin with Cerebral Palsy who had little speech/used augmentative communication and severe physical disabilities). Those teachers saw my unique personal interests and helped nurture that."

This respondent certainly had teachers who had excellent relationships with their students; and they looked for ways to create lasting learning, which is something I feel is a key ingredient in joyful learning. Moreover, Michael Fullan believes is achieved in deep learning. 

I hope that my deep learning project helps people like you - YES YOU READING RIGHT NOW (thanks for staying with me) - find joy in learning. I would love to know WHAT MAKES LEARNING JOYFUL FOR YOU?  

Thanks for reading,

Richard Churchill 

Where do I even begin? I guess I will commence with this: I have not had a week such as this in my life; nor has anyone really. For the first time in my life I am experiencing a truly global crisis, and while I am doing my best to stay grounded, do my part, and remain positive, I would be lying if I did not also admit that I am also experiencing fear, wonderment, and some anxiety as the #COVID19 pandemic extends its reach into Canada, and my province: Newfoundland and Labrador. However, I remain hopeful and optimistic. 

The federal, provincial, and territorial governments in Canada are working to take aggressive, proactive, preventative measures: such as the closure of NLESD schools for an indefinite period of time. Truly - none of us thought when our friends on the Avalon Peninsula were battling through Snowmageddon that so soon we would be faced with another emergency. This one is certainly more serious, and it is very important that we all do our part to 'flatten the curve' using social distancing, staying home unless essential travel is necessary, and using social isolation or self-quarantine when needed. It's a time when we need to look outwardly from our own desires and think about how our actions and decisions affect others: especially those who are high risk for #COVID19. 
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In the past week I have transitioned to a 'work-from-home' practice. It's been an interesting week to say the least. I am so thankful for the cloud based operations we use at NLESD via GSuite. I am happy that I am able to connect with my colleagues, and collaborate, using video conferencing tools such as Google Meet and Skype for Business. I am thankful for social media, which, when used for positive actions and good intent, is a medium that can been a beacon of hope during a difficult time like this. I am grateful for time to invest in professional learning, such as reading Michael Fullan's: Deep Learning, or finishing The Third Path by David Tranter. I am thankful for some extra time to spend with my family. I am so, so, so happy to live in a country that is assuring its citizens that they will stand by and support us when financial times get challenging. What are your thankful for as you reflect on this past week?

Folks, this isn't going to be easy. In fact, it is going to be very difficult. We may not have witnessed the difficulty we are going to experience since the Great Wars. We have to be ready to support one another; to be compassionate and caring; to have deep empathy for one another; we must set our moral compass to lead each day with kindness as our true north. 

I would be so very remiss if I did not take just a moment to write about how important it has been for my mental health to practice mindfulness each day at the start of my work day. It helps me find an inner peace and set my intentions for the work day ahead. Currently, I am using Calm and working through the 7 Days of Focus series. Secondly, I have made time each, when I conclude work, to get in some physical activity, which has been a mixture of walks with Prince and my wife in the park, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. Without that time in nature, I am not sure I will stay healthy while working from home and supporting our NLESD students, staff, and their families. I encourage you to make time for your wellness. What are you doing for your well-being?

I think we can learn so much from this crisis; but I am saddened it is going to be paired with immense loss. Let's not waste the learning despite the loss. Let's all focus on doing our small part in the hopes that our collective efforts land us in a better place than if we were complacent and ignorant. Stay safe and as well as possible. 

- Richard Churchill

Learning is at the heart of what we do in education. It is the very pulse of education; its beats can be felt in the curriculum we deliver, the environment we share, the life lessons we talk about, and in what we come to understand about our self. When we learn something, it means that something has changed; we have a new understanding that we didn't have before the learning happened. A new synapse is created in the brain. What have you learned lately?

Now, think about how you learned that thing? I mean it - think about how you learned the thing. Write it down on a piece of paper, or a sticky note.

Did you read to learn? Did someone show you how to fix something? Did you practice a new skill? Did you make a mistake? Did you experience failure? Did you feel uncomfortable? Did you listen to something? Did you get your hands messy? 

Learning requires us to step outside our comfort zone; it requires vulnerability; it requires risk; resiliency; resolve. When we reflect on these requirements, it can help us plan learning activities. Plan activities that allow students to step out of their comfort zone, to challenge themselves, to think critically, and to create. 

A few weeks ago I spent a day in the woods with a friend cutting wood for one of our nordic club's warm-up huts. He showed me how to operate a chain saw. He showed me how to safely fall a tree. I watched, I listened, I observed - but the real learning happened when I took up the chainsaw and made the first cut, and the next. With each cut I felt my confidence growing, but I was also keeping cognizant of the importance to take it slow and be safe.

It made me reflect on learning: we can watch, listen, and observe; but we also have to pick up the saw and make the cut. Let's make sure we give students a chance to pick up the saw, to make a cut, and to instill in them the desire to want to pick it up again and keep practicing until they master the art. That's the stuff of learning. That's the stuff of education.  

Thanks for reading,

​R. Churchill 

Many readers will identify with the increasing busyness of our minds in this 'information-on-overdrive' society we live in; more and more of our lives have become preoccupied with buzzing phones, never ending social media feeds, saturated schedules, and the decreasing time we seem to have at our disposal to live in the present moment. Consider this very effective cartoon I found online recently:
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