by Ali O'Marra-Armstrong, Assistant Head of School, Academics

This week, we welcomed students back to Rosseau Lake College, beginning a new chapter in their educational journeys, and our own as educators. For many, the first days of school evoke nostalgia, anticipation, and perhaps even worry. As both a parent and educator, I understand the mix of excitement and trepidation that September brings. This year feels especially poignant for me, as RLC is where my journey as a new teacher began in 2002.

While moving back across the country this summer, I came across a photograph from one of my first years at RLC—a canoe trip on the French River. It captured what makes this school special: learning, in all regards, through “fearless practice and discovery” (Tomlinson). Here, learning happens with equal measure inside and outside the classroom—it truly is extraordinary in nature.

In Richard Wagamese’s words, “All that we are is story … It is what we arrive with. It is all we leave behind.” Next week, our students will embark on outdoor adventures that will shape their own narratives, building resilience and connections that will last for years. These experiences, more than just skill-building, help define who they are becoming.

So, where will your story at Rosseau Lake College take you this year? As Kurt Hahn said, “There is more in you than you think.” I wish everyone a great start for a new chapter!