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Nicola jones Post 1

14 April 2021, 3:55 PM Edited by the author on 14 April 2021, 3:59 PM

Creating positive ethos

In my country, there is a  privately owned school where  I once taught  that has shaped me significantly in becoming  the educator I am today. It is a school that strongly believe in recognizing the achievement of all learners, and they have regular prize-giving ceremonies, Honor Rolls, student leadership roles and a lot of other incentives.

However, what I will forever be appreciative for is the manner in which they display inclusivity in the school. Parents Teachers Meetings were done once monthly( as a member of staff I felt this was too much since it was usual after school and wanted to go home), parents were encouraged to express themselves freely. Regular consultations with teachers were also structured and supported and recommendations made monitored and implemented where necessary.

The students academic, moral and social needs among others were catered for. I can recall when a  female student started the institution in around grade three,,she  could walk a little but had to hold on to something as she goes ..In the mornings her dad would lift her on his back after taking her from.his car to her class . Soon after it was the  children who would meet her at the car door to hold her hands to her class.. During school time she could be see  moving around the school.compound with her friends arms as support..she was out for Physical Education  classes, for swimming..Her friends would help.to dress her for swimming and gather her stuff afterwards. When it was time for her  change grade to go upstairs her grade 6 class was the only one downstairs.

I would definitely say this school  is an example of inclusion in progress. The school recognized diversity and create a positive ethos among all to support diversity. Today this young lady who has migrated to the USA, is now wheelchair bound has a job and is  living a  active and meaningful life.  Many others after this have passed through the gates of this mainstream school and are doing great for themselves.

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Rose Nyambura Post 2 in reply to 1

14 April 2021, 6:39 PM
Very encouraging Nicola. Teachers are game changers in this world. You can imagine the impact if all children were embraced by their parents, teachers and community at large and encouraged to realize their full potentials irrespective of physical, mental or emtional disabilities. Inclusive schools are a blessing to everyone. 
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Simone Campbell-Williams Post 3 in reply to 1

15 April 2021, 1:31 PM
Well said Nicola, indeed children live what they learn. I can clearly feel the caring environment who worked at for so many years. I felt so connected in reading that I almost thought I was there too. You made your post sound so alive as though it just happened. The school's climate have foster this kind of relationship and hence, the students were able to facilitate their classmate to the various areas and activities daily. Regardless of the challenges, race among others, no child should be left behind. It is a togetherness process and should make the school and its team look good.
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Savitri Emmanuel Post 4 in reply to 1

15 April 2021, 5:54 PM

Nicola, this was so refreshing to read. I like that fact that all stakeholders, especially the peers, are doing their part in a positive way to help in making this school fully inclusive.