Hands Back Hands Forward

Relationships are very much like a garden.  They need nurturance, patience, and attention to flourish.  So, too, do the relationships that support a  healthy learning environment.   As a community, dedicate time to learn and practice ways of communicating that are mutually supportive.

Aspect 2: Cultivating Relationships

• Bring together Students, Teachers, Parents, Administrators, Community members, in a social, informal setting with activities that include all ages and share a meal

• In an open forum, discuss and establish possible goals for the year:
  • transformation via collaboration
  • healthy, respectful communications
  • constructive problem solving

• Model relationships built upon respect, trust, inclusion, and community relations.  Be explicit with instruction and offer positive feedback.

• Seek help in facilitating and modelling healthy communications:
  • Model a consensus process
  • Practice conflict resolution
  • Model respectful disagreement
  • Strategies for emotional support during interpersonal communications