Future in Focus: Our Strategic Pillars
From the growth and access to technology, to the blurring of international barriers, our world is changing at an exponential pace.
Each year, we seem to be taking three steps forward toward something we only dreamed of many decades ago. Flying cars, supersonic travel, cupcake vending machines.
This also means that the world in which we are educating our students, your children, is going to be very different when they start working, in five, ten or fifteen years.
We want to do what is best for our students - it is after all the reason we exist. Through the feedback we received from our community surveys, and reflecting on emerging concerns and priorities in society, we determined that Innovation, Sustainability and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) would be our three strategic pillars for the next five years. These pillars reflect the future of education and enable us to create a strong foundation on which to educate the next generation of leaders and a school with a reputation for goodness and excellence.
Innovation
To promote a mindset of innovation and a commitment to service in our approach to teaching and learning, that is anchored within our school environment but is most impactful as learners contribute to and becomes drivers of positive social change.
Sustainability
To deepen our commitment to engage in sustainable practices both individually and as a school for the benefit of present and future generations.
DEI
To be a truly diverse, equitable and inclusive community which commits itself to preserving and enhancing the well-being of all.
INNOVATE NOW
Innovation is a term that is heard in almost every conversation about the future of education these days.
From individuals and organizations trying to break the status quo to established brands trying to become more relevant, innovation is key to growth and success.
Our school prides itself on innovating wherever possible. In the community survey, students in Grade 5 to 12 indicated that they have opportunities to collaborate with the school to innovate and bring new ideas to life.
With that said, we can do so much more as a school.
DID YOU KNOW
The cost of sequencing one full human genome in 2001 was just over $95 million USD?
Guess what?
20 years later, in 2021, that cost dropped to just over $450 USD.
Source: National Human Genome Research Institute (2022). Retrieved from OurWorldinData.org "Technological Change" Report by Max Roser, Hannah Ritchie and Edouard Mathieu.
A SUSTAINABILITY MINDSET
Our environment is a critical discussion point today, with wildfires and hurricanes ravaging our planet. As a school, it is important that we inspire compassion for the environment in our future leaders while also setting an example as a school.
With that said, there is another side to sustainability than just "going green". Sustainability is a mindset, one that allows us to make informed and future-focused decisions. We want to engage in sustainable practices not just to support the environment, but to promote good health and well-being in our students, to be financially sustainable to grow our facilities in a responsible way, and to be mindful of all the micro-decisions that collectively impact various aspects of life on our campuses.
"In the fight against climate change, schools are uniquely positioned to educate and prepare a new generation of students better equipped to tackle the environmental challenges in their future. Educators can engage students in learning on sustainability, the environment, green jobs, and climate change, while schools transition toward sustainable operations and build resilience."
- The Aspen Institute, K12 Climate Action
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION MATTERS
"Ensuring that all students feel a sense of belonging in school is paramount, as belonging contributes to school success, social-emotional wellbeing, and positive academic outcomes. A sense of belonging can positively predict student achievement, and students with a strong sense of belonging are also more likely to exhibit positive behaviors, beliefs, and confidence; contribute positively to the school community; and report an interest in helping others and the importance of treating all people with respect."
- Hanover Research Report
The school has always made a conscious effort to be inclusive of everyone. This was reiterated by students, parents, staff/faculty and alumni in our recent community survey. Parents especially highlighted that their families were represented in TMS's inclusivity values and that all students, regardless of background, are given equitable opportunities at the school. The majority of teachers also believe that they are making a conscious effort to meaningfully infuse diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of their teaching.
We are proud of the fact that we have organically made meaningful growth in the DEI space. However, we want to take it further, embedding this important work into all we do - inside and outside of the classroom.
DEI initiatives are having a direct, positive impact in organizations, highlighting why it is so important to understand and promote DEI as early as possible.
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Inclusive teams are over 35% more productive.
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Diverse teams make better decisions 87% of the time.
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Diverse companies earn 2.5x higher cash flow per employee.
Sources: LinkedIn, McKinsey, D&I Global Market Report, Peoplemanagement