I believe that healthy relationships with students are the cornerstone of providing the emotional support and structure needed to put them in a safe place for learning. Schools expect students to take risks and this is best achieved when students have a feeling of trust and wellbeing. Students rely on ‘social cues’ from adults to manoeuvre their path to adulthood and mature academic conversations and thinking. As they do this through conversations and modeling from the adults in their lives, ethics are developed. A healthy relationship with teachers, administrators, parents, and coaches is central to nurturing healthy growth and development.

In addition, to nurture, there is a need for rules and structure. Without such conditions; young minds can easily go down a ‘slippery slope’ of complacency through lack of guidance and adherence. Students, in their elementary through high school years are at a stage of their development where they do not have the choice to underachieve. Learners must be shown by adults that they can go beyond what they think they are capable of. It is the task of the adults in their lives to model, push and believe so that the students can also.

I value student “voice and choice”, and putting the best teachers that we can in front of students where educators use that brain research to improve teaching and learning using mindful pedagogical practices to cause learning to take place with impact. Development of a ‘growth mindset’ is a continual message that students need to hear, so they can always get ‘just a little better. Couple that with intentionally thinking about creative learning spaces that help students develop and you have the complexity of what is school.

Society and schools are facing challenges with adolescent wellness as health, exercise, sleep and the use of technology issue in our students’ daily lives. It is the responsibility of the school to help educate school communities on the impact such issues have on learning and to be proactive in their response.

I believe that care and learning go hand in hand.

I believe that schooling is complex as we attend to the academic and personal needs of learners.

I believe that it is my responsibility to create the best learning conditions for students and staff and I will work tirelessly to make that happen.

In our team meetings, I often find that I have been strategic and confident in the ideas and solutions that I bring to the table. I have to be continually thinking critically about the AISK Way, in order to contribute in a manner that ensures that the decisions made will have a positive impact on our school community.  This is how I can ensure that our students will continue to thrive in Jamaica and in a diverse world.      

It was Jack Welch who said that before you become a leader the aim is to grow yourself, but when you become a leader the aim is to grow others. At AISK continuous learning and continuous improvement are not just outcomes we want from our students they are something we want for all the community. As a school leader I am conscious of the benefits of making sure all are provided the opportunity to grow and develop and that by doing so we provide a stimulating and rewarding environment for our students and teachers to be .

Being part of the Leadership Team means involvement in the management and planning of the school to help it to reach a number of important objectives, not only in teaching and learning but in its daily operations and business objectives. The Team set’s the school’s direction and ensures the smooth running of daily procedures, important events and the development of school policy. It’s inspiring working on the team especially contributing to the school’s strategic planning.

As a member of the leadership team, I attempt to contribute towards increasing the motivation of both students and staff towards meeting our vision of ‘Our students shape the future’. As the Director of Technology, I view technology as the tools that we will use to ensure our students are prepared for the exciting changes and challenges that lie ahead. We endeavor to work towards producing an educational product that prepares our students for the future and distinguishes AISK from its competitors.

Leadership in a school is responsible for creating a climate hospitable to education and for establishing a school-wide vision for commitment to high standards and the success of students.

For AISK to move forward, the leadership team has to develop and understand an agreed-on purpose and a vision that focuses on all aspects of school life, and one that informs planning and development. 

The leadership team is made up of the leaders of our departments such as Student Support, Teaching and Learning, IT to name a few.  It is with this group of leaders that we ensure that our Mission of “our students shape the future,” is continually at the forefront of our discussions.

It is with these discussions that I am able to garner the relevant information to ensure that the plant has the learning and outdoor spaces, that we have hired the correct staff, and that our school activities and field trips enhance the learning of our students. This team advocates for our students to ensure that they receive the best education and experiences so that they can transfer this knowledge to our wider community, Jamaica and the world.

Participation in the administrative team creates an environment that nurtures and supports sharing ideas, expertise, experience, and unique perspectives from the team members that represent the various departments at AISK. This level of communication and collaboration benefits all students in our diverse student body to ensure they are thriving and reaching their full potential. I appreciate this approach to the administrative tasks because it ensures that the social-emotional wellness of staff and students, as well as attention to the educational needs of our diverse student body, is embedded in everything we do.

Every decision we make as a leadership team at AISK is driven by our vision and mission. We ask ourselves, “How are we meeting our mission and vision for our students through this initiative?” I am often reminded of how the very skills that we reinforce with our students are the skills that are required of me to employ every day. Thinking critically, mindfully and working collaboratively are key to the success of our educational program. We work with a team of highly qualified, compassionate administrators who are committed to the school’s mission and vision and promote our core values. This sense of community and purpose help us stay grounded and always looking forward to an even brighter future.

School’s are very busy environments and planning for the current academic year would have begun the previous year with the team delivering on the Strategic Plan broken down into annual goals. When the ship sails on the first day in August the team executes according to the plan, so how do new initiatives and projects get piloted, and buildings get planned and built? 

That’s where I come in! As project lead along with the support and expert guidance and input of this team, we get to dream big for our students.  AISK stays on the cutting edge of education using the latest research to bring on new and exciting programs that will enhance the learning experience of our students, and the teaching experience of our faculty. There’s never a dull moment at AISK.

School’s are very busy environments and planning for the current academic year would have begun the previous year with the team delivering on the Strategic Plan broken down into annual goals. When the ship sails on the first day in August the team executes according to the plan, so how do new initiatives and projects get piloted, and buildings get planned and built? 

That’s where I come in! As project lead along with the support and expert guidance and input of this team, we get to dream big for our students.  AISK stays on the cutting edge of education using the latest research to bring on new and exciting programs that will enhance the learning experience of our students, and the teaching experience of our faculty. There’s never a dull moment at AISK.

School’s are very busy environments and planning for the current academic year would have begun the previous year with the team delivering on the Strategic Plan broken down into annual goals. When the ship sails on the first day in August the team executes according to the plan, so how do new initiatives and projects get piloted, and buildings get planned and built? 

That’s where I come in! As project lead along with the support and expert guidance and input of this team, we get to dream big for our students.  AISK stays on the cutting edge of education using the latest research to bring on new and exciting programs that will enhance the learning experience of our students, and the teaching experience of our faculty. There’s never a dull moment at AISK.