In October while attending CCSDL conference 2014, I met Josh , a positive intelligent young man. Inspired by his teacher ( N von Krogh) who asked students to complete a project titled “15 reasons to live”, Josh made this video. I hope watching Josh’s 15 reasons to live gives you inspiration to come up with your own top 10 reasons to live. The students projects at CCSDL in B.C. inspired me to bring this idea back to our wellness team at BCHS .
The Mental Wellness team Living Aware, Living Informed, Living Empowered will be coming up with their own top 10 reasons to live to share with the Bishop Carroll High School Community. This project is an adapted version of what Mrs. von Krogh did. The project we plan on doing is also inspired by The Buried Life , who are positive young Canadians who go out and cross things off their bucket list by doing the things they want to live for, but a very important part of the process is doing something kind for others.
Directions for our project:
For our project I’d like you to reflect on your life and think about things that matter, the things that make you, you and give you reasons to live life fully.
Some questions to ponder:
What do you live for and love?
What are your reasons to trust, to overcome adversity, to cope, to laugh, to love?
What makes you get up every day?
What makes you happy and makes your life worth living?
What do you value?
What motivates you to make a difference?
What are the peak moments in your life that have impacted you?
Who are the people or relationships in your life that make you want to celebrate life?
What are the places in the world that inspire you or bring you comfort?
What do you want to do before you die? What are your TOP 10 reasons to live?
This is a reflective activity. You might start listing 100 reasons to live randomly. Then go through your list and pick the top ten to CELEBRATE .
You may wish to celebrate your TOP 10 in several ways:
An Art piece
A display
A magazine article
A mobile
Music … there are many ways to celebrate your reasons to live … an album cover …
A photo gallery
Postcards
Poster
Use a tech tool like @haikudeck to tell us about your top ten
You can make a YouTube video
You can be creative and come up with your own ideas
You may wish to collaborate with some others or you may choose to make this more personal to you .Who you do this with and how you do this is totally up to you.
Our wellness team want you to think about all the things that make a difference to you and hopefully seeing others projects inspires you to think of many more ways to enjoy your own life as well as ways you can make a difference in others. We will be displaying or sharing some of the presentations at our Mental Health Symposium.
We challenge you to find two people who would be willing to do this project and share this project with us so we can spread more HOPE in the world. What are your ten reasons to live? You also need to think of one way you can make a difference in someone else’s life. I’d like you to reflect on one of my favourite quotes when you do something good for someone else, something that will make them feel that you care and that they matter.
“The smallest good deed is better than the grandest good intention
You can look back here at a later date to see our projects.
Now it’s your turn. Go make a difference and when you do please post your ideas to this blog or tweet @sspellmancann so I can share your inspirational projects.
On Tuesday,BCHS had its first ever Career Speed Datingevent. It was a fabulous event for students and guests alike. Although the idea was conceived last year we did not make it happen until this year. We decided to invite our alumni as well as parents for our first of hopefully many Career Speed Dating events.
CAREER SPEED DATING
THIS YEAR MARCH 4th 2016.
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
You will have 5 minutes to share your story.
Introduce yourself and share what you do in your career/vocation.
Ask students to introduce themselves.
Tell students what you are passionate about in your career.
Tell them the skills they need to be successful at work – now and in the future. What attributes do you seek in our employees and co-workers?
If time allows, tell them about the process you took to get where you are (education, career advancement, training, job changes).
If you are a Bishop Carroll graduate, please explain how the self-directed learning model impacted your work life (i.e. the relationship with your TA, independent study, flexible scheduling, and continuous progress).
Thank you for sharing.
The day will begin with student tours at 9:00 a.m., ending at 9:50 a.m. If you are interested in the tour, please join our student tour guides in the gym.
10:00 a.m. CAREER SPEED DATING begins in the gym. At the end of each 5 minute interval a bell will inform YOU to move one person to their right. You will repeat your story with 10 different students, finishing at approximately 11:00 a.m.
11:00 – 11:05 a.m. Please find your name tag, placed on the wall located on the outskirts of the gym.
11:05 – 11:30 a.m. QUESTION PERIOD. Sit at your designated place to be available for questions. This is an opportunity for any student to learn from your diverse experiences by posing additional questions or who did not get to visit with you during the speed dating component.
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Lunch is provided in the gym.
Here is an overview of the day:
The day began with student tours at 9:00 a.m., ending at 9:50 a.m. Student tour guides met our guests in the gym.
9:50 -10:00 All guests were asked to sit in the circle that was already set up and given an explanation of the morning as well as a warm welcome by our Principal Mr. O’ Flaherty who was instrumental in making this day happen.
10:00 a.m.CAREER SPEED DATING began in the gym. At the end of each 5 minute interval a bell informed the adults ( originally we thought the students should move , but felt it would be better at the time if the adults moved as they were there to give instructions as to what to do).
An explanation was given to all guests 5 min. prior to event, to move one person to their right. Guests repeated their story with 10 different students, finishing at approximately 11:00 a.m.
(When our guests arrived they were asked to locate their names on the outskirts of the gym for the 11:00 o’clock Q and A period.)
11:00 – 11:05 a.m. Guests went to their designated chair located on the outskirts of the gym.
11:05 – 11:30 a.m. QUESTION PERIOD.Guests sit or stood at their designated place to be available for questions. They were told that this was an opportunity for any student to learn from their diverse experiences allowing students to pose any additional questions or to provide an opportunity for those who did not get to visit with them during the Speed Dating component to do so. This also allowed those students who signed up, but did not get a chance to do the 10:00 o’clock Speed Dating component to come into the gym and ask anyone any questions they might have. 11:30 a.m – 12:15 p.m. Lunch was provided in the gym for GUEST Speakers
How did we make this day happen?
1. A letter went out to all parents inviting them to participate by email. We can send out a mass email to all parents in our community.
2. Our staff was asked if they could invite alumni.
3. A mass phone message went out to all inviting parents to the event.
4. Once we had a list, our fabulous Admin. Head Secretary Pam sent out a letter to all guests telling them what the day would look like and some hints on how to approach their talk.
BISHOP CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL
CAREER SPEED DATING Letter
November 18, 2014
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
You will have 5 minutes to share your story.
Introduce yourself and share what you do in your career/vocation.
Ask students to introduce themselves.
Tell students what you are passionate about in your career.
Tell them the skills they need to be successful at work – now and in the future. What attributes do you seek in our employees and co-workers?
If time allows, tell them about the process you took to get where you are (education, career advancement, training, job changes).
If you are a Bishop Carroll graduate, please explain how the self-directed learning model impacted your work life (i.e. the relationship with your TA, independent study, flexible scheduling, and continuous progress).
Thank you for sharing.
The day will begin with student tours at 9:00 a.m., ending at 9:50 a.m. If you are interested in the tour, please join our student tour guides in the gym.
10:00 a.m. CAREER SPEED DATING begins in the gym. At the end of each 5 minute interval a bell will inform YOU to move one person to their right. You will repeat your story with 10 different students, finishing at approximately 11:00 a.m.
11:00 – 11:05 a.m. Please find your name tag, placed on a chair located on the outskirts of the gym.
11:05 – 11:30 a.m. QUESTION PERIOD. Sit at your designated place to be available for questions. This is an opportunity for any student to learn from your diverse experiences by posing additional questions or who did not get to visit with you during the speed dating component.
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Lunch is provided in the gym.
5. Our amazing Head Caretaker Cam and team set up all the chairs ( we had to order chairs from downtown ) in gym the way we thought might work. ( I drew him a bad diagram, but he set things up the way he knew would work and I totally knew he would do it perfectly and of course he did)
6.Pam ordered lunch and helped decorate for all our guests. She also made all the name tags and signs. She is outstanding!
7. Student tour guides had to sign up in Student Services.
8. Students wanting to attend the event had to sign up in Student Services as well.
9. Erin ( my amazing sidekick counsellor ) figured out how to use the timer so that it rotated automatically , and used an iPad to project it on the screen in the gym. You can see it in the video. Our Principal Neil used the mic. to give our presenters a 20 sec. warning when their time would be up to move on to the next student.
10. Our Caretaker Cam also had coat racks set up for all guests. He is so smart, I would have never thought about that detail.
11. Our Art teacher provided us with some great student Art to decorate our gym.
12. Our Career Practitioner had Career Booklets and websites available for our students.
13. Krystyna, our Admin. Assistant made posters to put up around the school.
14. Our Vice Principal Ralene helped with all the details of putting up signs and clean up etc.
15. Our Lisa from Student Services checked off all the students names and greeted students as they arrived at the gym doors.
16. Erin, Neil and I greeted and talked to all the guests as they arrived.
Many hands really do make for light work. I really am so grateful to all for the help in getting ready for this event. I am also grateful to our Phys. Ed department for giving up their space ( we did need to find a date that would work to book the space to hold this event ).
I loved this day and I know students and participants did as well. Here is a Career Speed Dating Haiku Deck that I made which enabled me make the iMovie that I made from my phone (that you can see above on YouTube) . It is important to share what we did with staff and students who were unable to come , so that next time they too can participate. As well I always like to share any ideas with my fellow School Counsellors so that they too can use the idea if they like it and I hope you do because it had such a positive impact on students and presenters . One of the many benefits of this day is that participants shared their winning approach to work and life. The participants got to meet other parents in our community as well as network and make a difference for students. It was an amazing day one which we will repeat for sure. Will we make changes for next time? Yes, of course there are a few things . We will meet as a team to discuss some minor tweaks that could make the day even better. We will also send out a feedback form for participants and incorporate their thoughts and ideas.
Are you now ready for your own Career Speed Datingevent? I hope so ! Enjoy!
Here is a list of the Careers that were represented:
Lab administrative assistant Computer Science Department U of C
Professor at the Computer Science Department U of C
Chartered Accountant – Talisman Energy
DIRECTOR OF REAL ESTATE AND PROCUREMENT
CHRP, Sr. Human Resources Consultant; MillerNet HR Solutions
Owner/operater Insurance and Financial Services Agency
Speech-language Pathologist
Entrepreneur or a socialpreneur
Police Officer
Director and Talisman Energy Chair of Environmental Sustainability Institute for Environmental Sustainability
PWC | Director, Consulting & Deals
Chemical Engineer
Partner, BD&P Law Firm
Human Resources-Fluor Canada
Communications Specialist
Chemical Engineer
U of C Student
JVR Landscape, Landscape Industry Certified Manager and Technician
Sr. Counsel – Legal Dept. – Husky Energy
Crown Prosecutor – Specialized Prosecutions – Organized Crime Unit
This week I am presenting to the Alberta Guidance Council. Their closing keynote was unable to come so I get a chance to share with other Alberta School Counsellors what I am most passionate about School Counselling and technology. I get to put my passion into practice. One of the things that matters to me most after I have heard a presenter is if I am able to put into practice what I have heard by using something I learned or receiving a resource that I can use later. So I really hope this blog post provides you with several resources you are able to use long after my talk.
Here are some resources from my presentation:
Technology doesn’t always work the way you want it to as was evident today, so here is the start of my presentation Putting Passion Into Practice a Powtoon presentation.
We need to understand the students we work with. They are an Instagram generation and we can help them most by understanding their world and learning to use technology in a positive way to assist them.
I know how important it is to have a back up plan and luckily I did, but such a great lesson today to remind us when presenting to download your presentation directly onto your computer /and or blog. Hopefully this blog will give you what you missed during my presentation.
I want you to know as a School Counsellor you are extremely vital to the well-being of students in your schools and play an important part in helping students #reachhigher. You are a leader and can demonstrate that daily in your schools.
I was extremely fortunate to attend this years American School Counselling Association conference where I met and collaborated with lots of amazing school counsellors who are connected and want to make a difference for the future of school counselling. I especially love that I got to surprise my twitter and now F2F friend Erin Mason ( she did not think I was coming to the conference ). Meeting F2F was fabulous and has made our connection even closer. I had so much fun throughout the whole conference and the fact that we first met on twitter made the conference even more special. I felt like I was at home when I arrived. Another of my favourite parts of the conference was being present for Michelle Obama’s speech. I felt so happy to be present at such a historic moment for School Counsellors and the profession. I really wish we had someone as special speaking and advocating on behalf of School Counsellors in Canada.
Here is a clip from Michelle Obama’s Speech recognizing the importance of School Counsellors at this years American School Counselling Conference ( if you look very, very close you’ll see @sspellmancann at 1 min 22 sec. with @tmscounsellor I am the excited one with the Canadian iPhone camera taking a pic.) The whole speech can be found on YouTube, but below you can see a transcript of her talk.
“Your work lives on in their hearts and minds, and in the hearts and minds of everyone they touch.” Michelle Obama
For a transcript of the First Lady’s remarks, click here. You might get the inspiration you need to reach higher to make a difference in your school.
I love how Michelle Obama ended her speech. In the words of Michelle Obama here is what School Counsellors need to know:
” So here’s the thing, ASCA members ( SCHOOL COUNSELLORS my insert) — whenever you get tired — and I know that you do — whenever you get frustrated or overwhelmed — and I know that you do — I want you to think about the extraordinary ripple effect of your work, because it’s real. I want you to think about the impact you have not just on every child whose life you transform, but on the family that child will raise, on the business where that child will work, on the community that child will one day serve. I want you to think about how long after those kids graduate your work lives on in their hearts and minds, and in the hearts and minds of everyone they touch.
So today, I want to end as I started –- by once again saying thank you. Really, thank you. Thank you for your compassion and determination. Thank you for the boundless love you show our children.
And I for one, as your First Lady, I am grateful for all that you do. And I look forward to working closely with you in the years ahead to give all our young people the bright futures they so richly deserve.
Thank you all. God bless.”
I believe through technology you too can make a difference.
TOP REASONS FOR SCHOOL COUNSELLORS TO USE TECHNOLOGY:
I am grateful everyday that I chose this fabulous profession of School Counselling.
The Science of Happiness
Who are you grateful for? Tell them …
I am a School Counsellor
I was a School Counsellor the moment I realized students needed help and I could make a difference
Throughout the day I can be called upon to assist, encourage, intervene, give support, make serious decisions and more
I am privileged to see the potential in each and every student
Honoured that students and their families allow me to help them
Thankful that I have chosen a profession I can be proud of and one that allows me to leave a legacy
You, the parents allow me to enter your world and help the most precious gift you have been given in life your child
Students matter to me and I will counsel your children from my heart, always maintaining a professional response
I am a School Counsellor and I will never take that responsibility lightly
I will have the courage , strength and hope to do what is necessary
I will provide a place and a space where you can trust what I do
Knowing that you have allowed me to spend my precious days with the future
I am a School Counsellorand for that I am filled with gratitude each and every day
Susan Spellman Cann
End of the year thank you to students from your School Counsellor. Click on this smore . You can edit and make one of your own.
Thanks for the opportunity to present today at the Alberta Guidance Council and the wonderful introduction from my dear friend @HelenMacKinnon2 . She led us down memory lane when we used to lead conferences for the AGC. Now we get to watch such great leaders take on the very important job of connecting Alberta School Counsellors. I appreciate the warm wishes this morning from my PLN.
@SSpellmanCann Good luck with your presentation! I'm sure it will be fantastic!!
I feel so grateful to have presented today and love that School Counsellors in Alberta may be willing to take the challenge to learn about one new tech tool this week.
"commit to using one new technology tool this week" thank you for the task and great keynote address @SSpellmanCann#atagc2014
I know that you all will continue to make a difference for our Alberta youth and use many of the resources available to you . If you ever need my help I am just a click away!
Words really do matter. I am in the process of developing an online presentation for adults on mental health and wellness so that they may assist students in their post – secondary programs. As I think about what I will say I recognize that my words matter. What I say could potentially influence educators. What they say to their students could potentially transform what happens for the students and their families. Mental health literacy matters, stigma matters , words matter.
Sometimes I hear people use words way too loosely when describing someone with a mental illness or someone who has special needs or challenges. They may say so and so is an ADHD kid or so and so is bipolar, an alcoholic etc. It matters to me when I hear words used inappropriately as I believe strongly that we are people first ( the labels used like ADHD are only a very small way of telling us something about someone). We are so much more. Who we truly are cannot or should not be described in a few words.
So the next time you find yourself using the label first STOP and THINK about the power of your words. Jack or Jill may have a million attributes that are positive and when you use one word to define them you are missing such huge pieces of who they truly are. So eliminate so and so is a developmentally delayed child etc. and say their name and the many wonderful things about them. When you do this you start to perceive them differently. You also begin to treat each human being , each child in your care with so much more dignity and respect.
I am inspired yet again thanks to fellow Canadian and educator extraordinaire George Couros@gcouros to write a blog post about the fact that School Counsellorsdo indeed have hashtags and use them on a regular basis.
Does anyone have a hashtag that is used for guidance counsellors? #edchat
American School Counsellors are on the web in droves as you can see if you follow the #scchat hashtag. I am fortunate to connect with other School Counsellors who are from all over the world especially through #SCCrowd and you can join us . I am proud to call myself a School Counsellor because it is so much more than what a Guidance Counsellor used to be. Read more here. School Counsellor Chat #scchat was the leader of the way and we can join in as caring Canadians who are passionate about School Counselling and want to make a difference.
I am a School Counsellor
I was a School Counsellor the moment I realized students needed help and I could make a difference
Throughout the day I can be called upon to assist, encourage, intervene, give support, make serious decisions and more
I am privileged to see the potential in each and every student
Honoured that students and their families allow me to help them
Thankful that I have chosen a profession I can be proud of and one that allows me to leave a legacy
You, the parents allow me to enter your world and help the most precious gift you have been given in life your child
Students matter to me and I will counsel your children from my heart, always maintaining a professional response
I am a School Counsellor and I will never take that responsibility lightly
I will have the courage , strength and hope to do what is necessary
I will provide a place and a space where you can trust what I do
Knowing that you have allowed me to spend my precious days with the future
I am a School Counsellor and for that I am filled with gratitude each and every day
Susan Spellman Cann
It isn’t as easy to connect with other School Counsellors from across Canada. There are a few of us that connect on a regular basis often using the hashtags #SCCrowd and #scchat :
@ehordyskiluong
@CharlieOsenton
@TrentLangdonNL
I know there are so many more of you like @Michelle0102197 @BriseboisJoanne @brie_jen @JodieHeywood1 @helenMacKinnon2 @JenMTrigger @mikesmacneil @BoskertheSC @kimtremblay13 @MacISSuey @MzMoynihan that can and want to connect on a regular basis, but you may just need to be aware of the basics of how twitter and a PLN can change how you practice. For some of you, you may even need to know that there is a hashtag and how to use it. We are here to help you anytime. Just ask and we will support you in any way we can. Join in by adding your name to this doc. You can find it by clicking School Counsellors Collaborating here.
There are so many more School Counsellors that I have added to my PLN since I wrote this blog post.” There are so many amazing School Counsellors doing so many fabulous things”, in July of 2013. We really are trying to get more Canadian School Counsellors Connected on twitter so if you do know of any please send them our way and we will definitely start using the #CSCchat Canadian School Counsellorchat that Erin and I created long ago hoping more would come on board.
I am so grateful to be a School Counsellor in a time when we can connect and learn and grow from and with each other due to the internet. So please join us as we make a difference and learn together. Check out SCOPE one of the best resources for School Counsellors you will find on the net.
Our next International School Counsellor chat is on Tuesday , October 28th at 6:30 MDT . Join @rawolfon and I . It is our one year #SCCrowd anniversary. We look forward to meeting, connecting and collaborating with you.
Counsellor Talk : Creative Collaborative Connections 