While legitimately overthinking what I wanted to share with you in this blog, I kept coming back to the idea of community—building it, growing it and the power that community holds. Bringing people together and connecting around a shared vision is something I totally dig! If it happens to involve dressing in neon and busting a move even better—but more on that later. First, let’s talk about…»
As a registered dental hygienist, I am used to friends avoiding asking me about work. It’s just not the kind of job that most people want to hear about in detail. That makes it difficult to get the latest info and recommendations out there. Many people still don't know what distinguishes our profession. So when I was asked to write a blog for The Sandbox, I jumped at the chance—consider yourself…»
Are you feeling extra motivated this time of year? Perfect. Harness that energy and pour it into a staff wellness initiative at your school! This is a perfect time to engage yourself and your wellness team (if you’ve got one) in a new or renewed staff wellness initiative. Employees may be looking to continue the camaraderie they shared over the holidays and there’s no better way to incorporate…»
I’m always happy when a new year starts. As I flip to January on the calendar I find myself easily inspired and motivated to try new things. I think that probably rings true for many people—the New Year is a popular time for setting new personal wellness goals and renewing commitments to old ones. How we make those choices, however, is affected by a multitude of factors—something to be acutely…»
You made it to the end of 2015—congratulations one and all! I had planned to write something about resolutions and fresh starts and other topical topics but, truthfully, I can really only write confidently about communicating (and whole slew of other utterly random things not relevant here—I’m a stellar Trivial Pursuit partner). Communication is a bit of a strange animal (if you’re rocking…»
I’m not a teacher or support staff employee. While I can try to relate to what the education sector workplace might be like, I can’t even fathom the complications of population that includes children as young as 4 or 5 years old, to children hitting puberty, to teenagers who are beginning to shape their views of the world. Add to this mix the complications of living in a digital age that seems…»
For those who know me, I’ve referenced this statistic many times—that is, that an average 30% of teachers are leaving the profession within the first five years of their career, and in some parts of the province the number is as high as 40%. The most common reasons cited for this statistic? Other career aspirations Loss of passion Family moving to urban centre Teacher burnout (i.e. teaching full…»
Alberta’s Distracted Driving Law prohibits us from applying makeup, eating cereal, texting, brushing your teeth or reading a book—thank goodness! So, while you refrain from brushing your teeth (!?!) and concentrate on driving, you have an excellent opportunity to take in all that’s through your very own community “looking glass.” I’ve lived in the same neighborhood for the last 10 years.…»
Have you ever thought that wellness was more than a single subject or activity? Have you ever wondered how you might embed wellness into both the curriculum and culture of your school? Do you know how wellness can impact all members of the healthy school community—staff, teachers and students? Yes? I had a feeling! The following video was developed with support from the Alberta Healthy School Community…»
November is a busy month (aren’t they all?), but one of the reasons it stands out for me is that it is Diabetes Month, and November 14 was officially World Diabetes Day, as declared by the International Diabetes Federation. Being involved in diabetes research and policy, I think of November as a time to highlight all things diabetes and hence, the topic of my very first Sandblog post! I am often…»
