ATM: Belonging: The Foundation of Our Success

At the very core of the human experience is the need to belong. Each of us seeks a sense of belonging in our community to help us navigate the world around us, and to find a place where we feel safe, supported and connected to those around us. This is an important foundation for each of us, and our schools, and school division in our shared work. 

Helping individuals develop a sense of belonging in the school community is essential to a positive school experience, and this applies equally for all partners in education. Parents expect the school experience will allow their child to feel that they belong, and rightfully so. This is fundamental for students to be available for learning throughout the day and cannot be understated.  

As microcosms of the communities they serve, schools are places where there is an expectation, both in legislation and in school practice, that belonging is paramount. The Education Act speaks about ‘a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging’. And all partners in education hold a responsibility to co-creating this learning environment in our schools – students, parents, staff and community alike. This too cannot be understated. 

All partners in education can choose to co-create safe, caring, respectful learning environments with the words and actions they choose to share with other members of the school community.  

Kindness matters. Respect matters.  

Both are essential ingredients to developing school environments and communities where each of us and everyone belongs. 

Belonging matters. 

 Yours in learning, 

Chris Fuzessy
Superintendent of Schools