Collaboration Time

Welcome to the MacNeill Blog.

In an effort to strengthen the partnership between school and home, I have created this Blog (web log/journal) that will highlight many MacNeill events and the accomplishments of those in our school community. There are so many things that happen on a daily basis at MacNeill and I hope this blog will give you a greater understanding of your child's school experience. I will also be posting my personal perspective on various educational issues in an effort to stimulate thought, promote reflection and create meaningful discussions. The blog will be updated frequently. Parents, Teachers and Students are encouraged to visit the blog on a regular basis and to read, learn, comment and share in our journey throughout the year.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Collaboration Time

MacNeill Secondary was founded on the guiding principles of effective practice, flexibility, and choice. When MacNeill originally opened in 2003, it was a small school with only 277 students (Gr. 7 & 8 plus Incentive program). As a small school, the staff worked hard to find time to work, learn and plan together. MacNeill has grown over the years and now has around 940 students and 83 staff members. However, the staff remain committed to maintaining the founding principles of the school, and continue to reflect on systemic structures that will allow us to best support the diverse learners in our school.

This is our first year participating in structured collaboration time. Collaboration Time is when two or more staff members come together over time with the goal to increase student engagement, achievement and learning. Eight days have been set throughout the year for collaboration time, where staff members come together for 75 minutes to discuss effective practice, instructional strategies, curriculum, cross-curricular learning or assessment.

Collaboration Time Dates (Tuesdays):

September 27
October 25
November 29
January 24
February 21
March 27
April 17
May 22

Collaboration Day Schedule:
8:30-9:40am Staff Collaboration - Students are not expected to be at school

9:45-10:48am Period 1

10:48-11:06am Nutrition Break

11:06-12:09pm Period 2

12:12-1:16pm Period 3

1:16-1:56pm Lunch

1:56-2:59pm Period 4

** To ensure collaboration time does not take away from student learning in their academic classes, we have eliminated our advisory class on collaboration day as well as the following day to allow for increased time in the academic classes.

On Collaboration Time Days, students may choose to catch-up on their sleep as the first period start time is not until 9:45am, or they may choose to study at home. The school will remain open for students who choose to come to school early for the purpose of quiet self-directed study, and they will be supervised by the administration.