Stephanie Kinneard, Elementary Associate Principal

At Meadowridge, we support our students to become confident learners who embody the IB Learner Profiles and contribute positively to their school community. The first few weeks of a new school year are a crucial time for classroom teachers to lay down the foundation for student growth and learning. Teachers thoughtfully plan activities to create an environment where all students not only feel like they belong but also recognize the gifts they offer to their classroom communities.

Before we welcomed students back in September, teachers returned for the final week in August to prepare for their arrival. During this time, teachers engaged in professional development sessions, focused on the importance of getting to know our learners from a strength-based perspective. Strength-based learning is an educational approach that focuses on a student's individual strengths, skills, and interests to fuel their development and growth. It stresses the importance of not only knowing and celebrating each student’s strengths but also supporting them to recognize the gifts or ‘superpowers’ that they offer to their community. Though our Elementary classrooms regularly highlight, support and celebrate student strengths, this year, teachers were encouraged to approach their welcome back planning from a thoughtful and intentional strength-based lens.

Last week, I had the privilege of joining a Grade 1 class while they brainstormed their ‘superpowers’. After reading the book Super Satya Saves the Day by Raakhee Mirchandani, students were encouraged to share something that they were super at with the class. “I am super at math,” said one student. “I’m really good at saying good morning,” said another, and “I know a lot about the medicine wheel,” chimed a third. Students discussed how and when their strengths can benefit their classmates, and then they drew themselves as superheroes to represent and celebrate their strengths.

A stroll through the Elementary hallways shines a spotlight on some recent strength-based learning initiatives across the grade levels. In Grade 4, students celebrate their gifts through writing.

“I am a genius at making friends and making them have a smile every day,”
“I am really good at reading,”
“I am a genius at making others feel safe around and with me.”

Students then go on to share how their strengths can support others in their community. In Grade 3, students completed individual puzzle pieces to highlight their strengths and passions and then reflected on how each member of Grade 3 comes together to complete their community. The finished Grade 3 puzzle is displayed outside the classrooms as a visual reminder that every student fits perfectly into Grade 3.

As we begin our year building relationships, community and confidence in our classrooms, you can support at home by talking to your child about their strengths. Compliment them for being a special helper at home or thank them for showing kindness to their siblings. Tell them what a great swimmer they are, or ask them how they used their gifts or superpowers to help their classmates today. By recognizing, celebrating and utilizing their strengths, we can work together to foster positive connections for our students and create safe and open spaces to support them through any hurdles that may arise throughout the year.

Written by:
Ms. Stephanie Kinneard,

Elementary School Associate Principal