The world is changing all around us. But even with the dramatic financial, political and social upheavals of the last five years, in British Columbia, we still live in a world of privilege. Globally, every member of our KGMS community belongs to the tiny percentage of the world's population that is well clothed, housed and fed. We enjoy fresh water, clean air, and a temperate and embracing climate. Our homes and communities are wired to the internet and we have access to about 100 more television channels than anyone could possibly want to watch!
The younger children in our classrooms have the advantage of a strong and child-centred programme with a proven track record for preparing them for further learning, and by Grade 6, every student in our school is already a member of the educated elite, having had more schooling than ninety percent of the rest of the planet! We truly live in a world of privilege.
Now, as we reach the end of another school year, and many of our students prepare to leave for the next stage in their academic careers, it is a good time to take a look at what kind of future awaits them. The future, as we all know, "ain't what it used to be", it is more fluid and uncertain than ever before.
What might that future hold for our students? How can they build on that privileged beginning that has been given them by their parents, extended family, teachers, tutors and schools?
They will live in a world where education makes all of the difference - families and teachers can provide them with opportunities but it will be up to them to make the most of them. They will live in a world where character counts. Where honesty and integrity and compassion are not old fashioned values - they are the critically important ones for future success. They are privileged to have had role models at home and at school to demonstrate how true this is. It will be their responsibility to live up to those examples.
They will live in a world that is interdependent. A world where every citizen must do her or his part for social justice, to improve the environment, to take part in the political process and to be a good friend and neighbour. It is their responsibility to take an active role in the live of their community - and not just be a bystander.
They will live in a world where the impact of climate change and political upheaval and global economic forces will take their toll on the weak and the helpless. A world that will need them to step forward, to roll up their sleeves and to give of themselves to lessen the suffering of others.
Finally, they will live in a world that is going to be radically different from the one that their grandparents, parents, teachers and I grew up in. A world where doing the same old thing in the same old way just isn't going to cut it anymore. As teachers and parents our mission is to try to prepare the children and young adults in our care to face challenges that we can't even imagine using ideas and technologies that haven't been invented yet. It will be their responsibility to take a leadership role in that world.
That is the responsibility of privilege.
The younger children in our classrooms have the advantage of a strong and child-centred programme with a proven track record for preparing them for further learning, and by Grade 6, every student in our school is already a member of the educated elite, having had more schooling than ninety percent of the rest of the planet! We truly live in a world of privilege.
Now, as we reach the end of another school year, and many of our students prepare to leave for the next stage in their academic careers, it is a good time to take a look at what kind of future awaits them. The future, as we all know, "ain't what it used to be", it is more fluid and uncertain than ever before.
What might that future hold for our students? How can they build on that privileged beginning that has been given them by their parents, extended family, teachers, tutors and schools?
They will live in a world where education makes all of the difference - families and teachers can provide them with opportunities but it will be up to them to make the most of them. They will live in a world where character counts. Where honesty and integrity and compassion are not old fashioned values - they are the critically important ones for future success. They are privileged to have had role models at home and at school to demonstrate how true this is. It will be their responsibility to live up to those examples.
They will live in a world that is interdependent. A world where every citizen must do her or his part for social justice, to improve the environment, to take part in the political process and to be a good friend and neighbour. It is their responsibility to take an active role in the live of their community - and not just be a bystander.
They will live in a world where the impact of climate change and political upheaval and global economic forces will take their toll on the weak and the helpless. A world that will need them to step forward, to roll up their sleeves and to give of themselves to lessen the suffering of others.
Finally, they will live in a world that is going to be radically different from the one that their grandparents, parents, teachers and I grew up in. A world where doing the same old thing in the same old way just isn't going to cut it anymore. As teachers and parents our mission is to try to prepare the children and young adults in our care to face challenges that we can't even imagine using ideas and technologies that haven't been invented yet. It will be their responsibility to take a leadership role in that world.
That is the responsibility of privilege.
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