Experience Rundle
"What does a Headmaster do?"

September 17, 2014

This past week I've been able sit back a little bit and reflect on my first month at work.  I have been assisted in this reflection by many of the students at our campuses.

Early this year I promised the teachers that prior to the end of October, I would visit each of their classrooms.  In an attempt to fulfill this promise, I visited about 20 of our Primary and Elementary classrooms at the College and the Academy.  At these visits the teacher has always graciously greeted me and welcomed me into their room.  After a brief introduction, I always ask the question, "Does anybody know 1) what is my job title (headmaster for those of you who are wondering) and 2) what does a 'headmaster' actually do?"  As is almost predictable - the responses have been spectacularly entertaining!

A few responses went a little bit like this:

"You look after all the kids in our school."

"You are the head hauncho ..."

"You make sure our hallways are clean."

"You are the principal of the principals."

"You are responsible for our milk program."

"You make sure the teachers are doing their jobs."

Aside from maybe the milk comment, the K-4 students were actually pretty close to the description our board of directors provided to me.  Needless to say, it has been a fascinating week of visiting our staff and students.  

This brings us today, the day that may well be the quintessential 'Headmaster' day of all days.  Here's a brief synopsis.

7:00 AM - Meeting with Mr. Clark - Elementary Principal 

8:00 AM - Supervising students arriving at the Elementary Program

9:00 AM -  Attending Rundle Social Meeting with parents and advancement (you can get your tickets here!)

11:00 AM - Meeting with Ross Glenn of RGO Furniture to discuss interior furnishings of our schools

12:30 PM - Attending the Opening Ceremonies of Spirit Day at the Junior High

1:00 PM - Enjoying lunch with some fantastic Senior High faculty

1:30 PM - Conversing with my CAIS Headmaster mentor, Paul Kitchen from Rothesay Netherwood School in New Brunswick 

2:00 PM - Attending  the Closing Ceremonies of Spirit Day

3:00 PM - Visiting with our Academy staff

4:00 PM - Viewing the Rundle College Cobras vs Rundle Academy Rockies Volleyball Game
5:30 PM - Answering e-mails, writing this blog and connecting with our community through Twitter

By no means is this list comprehensive or aimed to draw sympathy - this is a list to be celebrated!  Our schools are alive and vibrant with the Rundle Spirit!  Each and every time I turned around today I saw students making connections, I observed teachers building trusting relationships with students and I witnessed kind acts of giving.  

Really, when you think about it, being Headmaster is a dream position, as I am able to enjoy the successes the 'Rundle Experience' affords everybody inside our community.  If I was to answer the question, what does a Headmaster do... I'd have to say 'a headmaster creates a vision for our society; all the while sharing in the spirit and success of a program that is committed to excellence.' 

All the best,

Jason B. Rogers

Save the Small
subtitle: Is this what makes Rundle so special?

September 8, 2014

Last week I was driving between the Society Office and our Jr. Sr. High campus and I had my radio tuned into CBC.  Fortuantely during this very moment, The host of Q was just about to introduce a guest 'ranter' Torquil Campbell.  For those of you who do not know, Torquil is a member of the Montreal band, 'Stars.'  I was compelled by Torquil's words.  He speaks about trust and about the importance of 'taking care of the small in your life.'  If you have 4 minutes, give it a listen by following the link below.  I will refrain from editorializing too much, Torquil's eloquence speaks for itself.

Podcast - start listening at 4:10

As I was listening to Torquil's rant I reflected on why Rundle is so special.  Quickly, it became abundantly clear that our real strength is in the connected and trusting environment that can be established when classes are under 14 students and entire schools are under 250 in population.  It is that kind of place where 'everybody knows your name' and 'they are always glad you came.'  Rundle - from the top to the bottom - is committed to this philosophy.  Which brings me to this morning and more proof of the power of connection.

A wonderful parent of one of our Primary students brought in this basket and thanked me for my talk at the Meet the Teacher Night.  The basket and these apples are small, but they are a titanic symbol of being 'kinder than is necessary' and the importance of smallness.  I cannot imagine receiving such a kind gift if we were a large district or school division and if we did not connect with each other.

I am looking forward to the coming days and continuing to be a part of the kind, trusting and connected community that embodies the 'Rundle Experience'. 

All the best,

Jason B. Rogers

Meet the Teacher
subtitle: Headmaster meets parents & vise versa

September 5, 2014

This past week I have had the opportunity to attend and speak at the Primary and Elementary's  'Meet the Teacher' nights.  For me, this has been an absolute highlight of my initial experience in my role as Headmaster.  These night have really illuminated the fact that we are all on the same page.

My conversations with parents at the events have been filled with optimism and support.  I have left each event feeling energized and enthusiastic about the coming months and years!  To keep these words and sentiments to myself would seem like a little bit of a crime - so on this blog I thought I'd share a few of them with our community.

Here are some of your words:

On how you found Rundle College:

"Our friends have been sending their daughter to Rundle for years and we just had to come over and see what they have been talking about!  It has been a great experience for our son and we look forward to the coming years."

On our students: 

"You know what I love most about these schools, we've simply got great kids in this program!"

On returning to school after summer:

"As a parent, I tried not to take offence, but my son was actually excited to go back to school?!?"

On what Rundle really offers:

"I want my daughter to receive a well rounded education, I know Rundle will provide that for her."

On my choice of cheering for the Riders:

"It's okay that you cheer for the riders... secretly we do too."

On what really matters:

"Everyday my child comes home from Rundle, he has a smile on his face.  

Nothing else matters to me."

On the future of education:

"In a world of change, we need to offer an education that will prepare my son for a world that is changing faster than we can predict.  With small class sizes and outstanding educators, I am able to ensure I am providing my son with the best opportunity to be prepared for the world he is inheriting."

Upon leaving a teachers classroom:

"These teachers are just the best."

I am looking forward to the coming open houses and even more opportunities to connect and to discuss our shared 'Rundle Experience'. 

All the best,

Jason B. Rogers