I cannot believe it’s been almost four weeks since I have been at Allenby! Before my arrival, I often passed by the school travelling south on Avenue Road never truly appreciating the size of the school as it looks deceptively small as you drive by. Needless to say, I am learning very quickly what a busy and vibrant school Allenby is. Before arriving here, I was fortunate enough to have taught in five different school communities, working with students from Kindergarten to Grade 8 in the TDSB. The last few years I have worked as an Instructional Leader in the English/Literacy Department and in the Professional Learning, Training, and Leadership Development Unit. These experiences allowed me to work with various employee groups within the board focusing on leadership and staff development – two areas I feel passionate about. It is through ongoing professional learning and building the leadership capacity of all staff that we are better able to serve TDSB students and support them in reaching their potential.
During the last two weeks, I have been in classrooms through Literacy Classroom Visits with Mrs. Ucar and I have seen firsthand the wonderful teaching and learning that is happening at Allenby – in all grade levels, in English and French, and in all subjects. I have also truly enjoyed my interaction with students at recesses and lunch. In fact, Allenby’s lunchroom is one of the most orderly I have seen!
Everyone has been so welcoming. In fact, your children are often quizzing me about their names when I see them on the field and in the hallways. I’m asking them for their patience as there are almost 800 students in the building! It may take me until June, but I will get there! I also want to thank you. I cannot tell you often how often I have been stopped to have parents introduce themselves and welcome me to the school. It is clear that the parent community is engaged in their children’s learning and as I slowly familiarize myself with the school, I see the positive impact the APA and parent community has on the school through such things as pizza lunches, lip synch, the After Four Program and supporting technology and 21st century learning.
Thank you for making me feel so welcome at Allenby. I look forward to working with the staff, students, parents, and community for a very long time to come!
Elizabeth Lau