Summer Message 2022

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As another school year comes to a close, we want to express our appreciation for the growth we continue to experience as we are invited to learn alongside you in your classrooms, your schools, and your systems.

It is our intention to take a moment to pause, to reflect, to plan, to reinvigorate as we prepare for Fall 2022.


Pausing


We, like you, are appreciating being able to operate in a more familiar sense of normalcy as this year has progressed.


That being said, we know that there are changes that have been made in those operations, and that you, as educators, have remained strong and true in your mission: to provide the best possible learning experiences for students.


Although summer is short, we do wish for you to have a moment to pause for yourself. We hope the summer brings the opportunity to relax, reconnect with friends and family, and recharge. 


Reflecting

It has been an incredible year of learning for us. With the publication of Kurtis and Lorna Hewson's new book, Collaborative Response: Three Foundational Components that Transform How We Respond to the Needs of Learners, and the feedback from our partners, the rewrite of the software has gained a number of features based on the evolution of our understanding as educators about how simple nuances in WeCollab can enhance the Collaborative Response process. Decisions were made to postpone the release until these features were added, as schools were deeply engaged in their processes by the middle of the year and we chose not to interrupt that flow with the introduction of an update. We are confident that we have made a positive impact on the companion software to Collaborative Response so that those using with it will find their collaborative structures and processes reinforced while their communication remains transparent.


As you take pause this summer, may there be time to engage in reflective practice.


May you find time to celebrate the good work you have done this year, to identify that which was challenging, and to focus on your growth, much the same way you would have students do at this time of year.


Planning


While we speak to taking a breath as we pause and reflect, we are like most educators, with one foot in the end of the previous school year and one foot in the next. We are putting the finishing touches on the rewrite in preparation for a Fall 2022 release. We are updating all our support documents and videos as well as our School User, School Leader, and District Leader courses. We will keep you posted through our Twitter account, @jigsawcs! If you have not had an opportunity to check out a few of the upcoming features, see the video below!



We know that it is difficult to completely stop one's mind when there is time available for thinking more clearly, so as you plan forward for the fall, may you do so with purpose and passion as you continue to focus on why you do what you do: the students.

As you being planning for fall start up, perhaps Lorna's insights in the latest Leading Collaborative Response episode might provide some considerations to guide your thinking.

Reinvigorating

As we pause, reflect, and plan, we do so with the intention of returning to a new school reinvigorated. We know that we will carry forward our enthusiasm for the software and how it is truly filled with potential in addressing the concerns of those in classrooms, schools, and systems who are striving to implement Collaborative Response with fidelity.


May summer offer you the opportunity to renew, to refresh, and to refine your approach to education. More importantly, may it reinvigorate your spirit as you start the new school year!


Appreciating

If this year has proven anything, it is that teachers remain resilient, resolute, and resourceful. As new curriculum is introduced, as new curve balls come your way, you remain centred on that which is in the best interests of students. Thank you for having us along on your journey! We hope that we have been able to support you as you have needed it and that we have expressed our sincere gratitude for being able to learn from your classrooms, your schools, and your systems. We look forward to being able to reconnect with you in Fall 2022!

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