At Great Expectations School, we believe in the power of frequent, purposeful group gatherings that connect our entire school community. Friday All-School Gatherings do just that, fostering a stronger sense of unity and belonging for students, teachers, staff, and families. These gatherings are more than just assemblies – they are an opportunity to bring our social, emotional, and academic learning into the spotlight.
Students regularly see and interact with a wide range of familiar faces. From fellow students and teachers to staff and family members, each All-School Gathering helps build community connections and strengthens the sense that our school is a safe and welcoming place. Parents are welcome to attend as well, deepening the bond between school and home.
These gatherings allow us to share and celebrate what is happening in the classroom. Whether it's practicing the social skills we’ve been learning or discussing academic milestones, the experiences shared in these gatherings ripple through the hallways, lunchrooms, playgrounds, and buses, creating a positive school-wide culture.
Importantly, All-School Gatherings help students navigate the transition from being one among over a hundred in a larger school to feeling part of a smaller community of classmates. Older students reflect on their own growth when they see younger students share, while younger students gain excitement and motivation by witnessing the journey that lies ahead. These gatherings are a special time for everyone to learn from and inspire one another, making our school a place of connection and shared learning.
During this week's All-School Gathering, Miss Emma introduced our schoolwide phenology calendar. Phenology is the study of the timing of life cycle events in plants and animals, and how these events are affected by seasonal and climate variations. The students were excited to share their observations of the changing seasons and make predictions about what they might see in the coming weeks.
Ms. Margaret enriched our gathering by teaching us the Ojibwemowin words for September and Autumn, explaining their cultural significance and deepening our connection to the land and the changing seasons.
We hope you’ll join us for our next all-school meeting and experience this sense of community firsthand!
