Recently, I had the pleasure of acting as a judge at the Lakeside Academy science fair. It was wonderful to meet students, tour the exhibits, and witness the learning that was taking place. Talking to students about their choice of project allowed them to tap into their curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity, all necessary skills in today’s world. What I also noticed as I toured the gym was that there were students who were also serving as judges, going from booth to booth, giving their fellow students feedback on their projects. It caused me to reflect on how so much of learning is the result of social interaction. It is so often about that critical relationship between teacher and learner, about the exchanges and feedback that come when students demonstrate their learning to others. It is powerful to see students learning from each other, giving each other encouragement and feedback. 

It was another opportunity to appreciate how fortunate I am to work in a field where we get to be a part of those moments of discovery and learning. Witnessing powerful teachable moments is truly a privilege, and I am grateful for these school visits. The teachers were as excited and proud as the students, as it was obvious how much collaboration plays a role in learning. 

In general, during the month of December, there is a lot of social emotional learning that goes on throughout the school day. In addition to the academic subjects and assignments, our students are also learning important lessons about how to get along with each other and how to help others who may be going through a difficult time or find themselves in unfortunate circumstances. I am always impressed every December at the many ways in which our schools and centres mobilize – whether it be to collect and donate socks, to gather winter clothing, to hold a food drive, make holiday cards for seniors, or volunteer at a collective kitchen. These are truly important lessons in life. 

Over the last several years, social emotional learning has become a lot more visible in the work that we do. Education is not just about learning academic content or obtaining a diploma. It is a set of experiences that are embedded in a social context. Students learn about themselves, the world around them, as well as how to relate and be kind to others. Those moments appear in all of the daily activities of school life – on the bus, in the hallway, in the schoolyard, in the gym as well as in the classroom. All of these activities are what fosters perspective taking, imbues empathy and compassion and builds character. 

These activities take on added importance during this holiday period, as it is a time of year to take stock of what we have, reflect on those less fortunate and share resources so that more people can be properly housed, fed, and loved. It is a time of year to appreciate and improve the human condition.

As we head off on our winter break, I want to wish the staff, students and families of the Lester B. Pearson school board a most restful time off. May this be a time to reconnect with loved ones, rest and recharge. To those celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas or Kwanzaa, I wish you the greetings befitting this season of light, hope and promise. May 2026 bring peace, joy, and good health to all.  Happy Holidays! Joyeuses fêtes!