In January the School embarked on an initiative to augment the presence of its mission and at the same time distill the identity of Holy Name’s approach to teaching and learning. Rather than the more traditional approach of running these two initiatives separately, doubling meetings, doubling the resources and time demands on already busy teachers, the HNMCS approach was to integrate Academics, Mission and School Life under the banner of Relational Learning.

Grounded in our Felician roots and core values, in concert with the Vatican vision for Christian education, combined with our experience in how girls learn best, Relational Learning sits at the nexus of great teaching. Our mission calls us to see each girl as unique, blessed with a mosaic of gifts that she discovers when she becomes known, nurtured in a supportive environment that encourages her to explore her interests and passions.

The most common feedback about our teachers that the School receives from the parent community is how much the teachers care about the girls. Paying deep attention to the girls is a foundational building block to Relational Learning. Catholic education calls us to guide the formation of the whole child. The HNMCS vision calls us to academic excellence. At HNMCS we believe that these two concepts are complementary and not in competition with each other. Our expertise in learning tells us that when girls feel known as an individual, and cared for in their uniqueness, they engage more deeply in their learning, and achieve better outcomes.

So this integrated approach to Mission, Academics and School Life could not be more central to the success of the girls and the School. Teachers have been engaging in workshops to explore, recognize, name, and strengthen our identity in Relational Learning. Unlike the traditional approach to one and done training, HNMCS is committed to infusing Relational Learning into its professional development over the next several years until it becomes so ubiquitous that it is woven into the culture of the School and all stakeholders in our community see and feel this identity.

Look for continued updates on our work as we continue to put the girl at the centre of everything we do here at Holy Name of Mary College School.

- Mr. Ryan Baker (Director of Academics) & Mr. Steve Dubrick (Director of Mission Integration & Advancement)