On Friday, October 11, WAB reconvened the Strategy 2022+ Steering Committees for the identified areas of focus that defined WAB Alumni as "agents of sustainable and ethical approaches to living and learning" and "champions of inclusion through diversity, equity, anti-racism, and social justice (I-DEAS)." 

This planning session welcomed returning and new steering committee members including board, student, faculty, leadership, and parent representatives.  

An overview of progress was shared, highlighting the school's strides towards embedding I-DEAS and Sustainability into our practices. Highlights included the growth of student-led I-DEAS initiatives, sustained messaging of "We All Belong," ongoing SEL (social-emotional learning) program development with an I-DEAS lens, and connections to Global Citizenship and Multilingualism. 

The progress of our sustainability initiatives included the completion of the Sustainability Review by Metanoia, progress in rewilding parts of Duck Lake, curriculum integration with SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), waste classification updates, and connections to student-led sustainability projects. 

The focus of the day was to plan the scope of work for the coming years and to identify the diverse voices needed around the table to spearhead initiatives. 

As some members of the groups have moved on, and others are graduating soon, the session also acknowledged transitions within the groups and sought suggestions for new members to ensure continuity through the formation of longer-term committees. 

Critical questions were deliberated upon, focusing on how the school's ethos informs statements and policies, and how the entire community embodies these ideals. These discussions aimed to further integrate Strategy 2022+ and I-DEAS into school life and daily practices. 

“It was a pleasure to reconnect these community-based working groups towards the important work of I-DEAS and Sustainability,” noted our Director of Innovation in Learning & Teaching, Stephen Taylor. “The momentum that has been built from the last three years of careful work will now be used to help us plan for more action and development. Look out for exciting updates and opportunities to come!”  

After productive 4-hour workshops, brimming with ideas and insights, our next steps were outlined to inform upcoming initiatives. The reactivated Steering Committees are set to meet every 6-8 weeks, ensuring ongoing progress and collaboration. 

We always welcome more community involvement. If you would like to be part of an I-DEAS or Sustainability committee, please share your details through this form.   

WAB's Head of School, Dr. Marta Medved Krajnovic shared, "It was so invigorating to hear how much steering committee members' thoughts aligned with WAB's definition of learning. We all wanted to learn more, in an iterative and purposeful way, so that our learning can result in an impactful action for our community."