A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
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Annual Report 2023 – 2024
A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Ena Harrop HEAD OF SCHOOL
This past school year , we continued our 125thanniversary celebrations , which provided the CHS community with opportunities to reflect on the rich history of our school and reaffirmed our commitment to girl-centred education . This milestone not only connected us to our past but also energized our future .
2023 – 2024 also marked Year One of our strategic plan ’ s implementation , Thriving in Possibility . Starting on page 21 of this report , we are pleased to share our progress to date in all five strategies : Foundational Well-Being , Embracing Diversity , Purposeful Learning , Meaningful Partnerships and Active Stewardship .
The Foundational Well-Being strategy introduced the Graydin coaching approach , which promotes empathy and problem-solving and builds student agency . Early feedback has been encouraging , with positive impacts already evident in our classrooms .
We prioritized belonging through our Embracing Diversity strategy , hosting sessions for Mandarinspeaking parents new to the Canadian education system on how to best engage with the School in supporting their daughter ’ s education . Everyone ’ s involvement and feedback remain essential as we build a welcoming environment for all .
In Purposeful Learning , the focus on fostering agency was pivotal , building the bridge between learning and well-being . We know that when students experience greater agency , they also experience a greater sense of competence and belonging . Examples of increasing agency among students can be found throughout the school , from building a growth mindset in the Junior School to providing students with the freedom to pursue their own interests and demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways in the Senior School .
Under our Meaningful Partnership strategy , work began to guide the School in how to best establish sustained and reciprocal partnerships . We are thrilled to have Kara McDonald join the school this year as the Deputy Head , Partnerships and Community Engagement . Her experience is key to continuing the development of this strategic priority .