Stavely school celebrates Thanksgiving; shows leadership culture

By Rob Vogt

Not only is Stavely Elementary School developing the leaders of tomorrow today, but it is also becoming a leader among leaders.
On Thursday, Oct. 10, the school hosted a Thanksgiving Feast, inviting those who have contributed to the school community.
Among those attending the feast, were representatives of the Horizon School Division, invited in to observe the leadership culture Stavely Elementary School is building.
Principal Leanne Watson said Stavely Elementary is a leadership school, recently achieving its designation as a Lighthouse School for its efforts.
Being a Lighthouse School includes teaching leadership principles and the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People; students leading their own learning; events providing authentic environments to celebrate leadership, build culture, and allowing students to practise leadership skills; and much more.
Lighthouse schools also are an example to other schools.
Those include schools in Vauxhall, Lomond, and D.A. Ferguson Middle School in Taber, who visited Stavely school.
“They wanted to see Leader in Me schools,” said Watson.
In the Livingstone Range School Division, Stavely Elementary School and W.A. Day School in Fort Macleod are Lighthouse Schools.
Staff from Lomond and Vauxhall schools toured Stavely school in the morning, and Taber staff came in the afternoon.
They were toured by students, observed classes, had the opportunity to ask questions, and saw how leadership affects a typical school. They also had sent targeted areas they wanted to learn more about and glean information on.
Meanwhile, students had the chance to explain their leadership roles and why they like them, and the school, so much.
“I’m happy to share out what’s going on here,” Watson said. “The kids are so proud to share what we do here.
“They are so excited that it was their day to share what is happening at the school.”
Moreover, she added it was interesting to hear what students had to say about the school.
The morning culminated in a Thanksgiving Feast in the school gym.
It was an opportunity for the school to demonstrate how leadership culture looks in practice.
Students made and sent out invitations, welcomed visitors to the school, escorted guests to their table where they had made personalized name cards, and much more.
The feast had another purpose as well.
“We wanted to give back to the community,” Watson said.
She noted the Thanksgiving Feast was teacher Julaine Guitton’s idea, and a chance to express the school’s gratitude to everyone in the community who contributes to the school culture.
Student Sophia Norby addressed everyone in attendance at the start of the feast.
“A big welcome to all our special guests,” she said. “We are so grateful for all you do at our school.”