OCAC PYP held an exciting, dynamic and interactive orientation this year that broke away for the standard linear plan of the past that is typical of most schools in their orientation structure. Delivered through the contributions of staff involvement to present seminars, workshops and other initiatives, the broader goal was achieved; empowerment of all staff towards ownership and pride in the PYP Program through their leadership, contribution and demonstrated capacity in various subjects, initiatives, programs and learning platforms. This has set a new standard for Orientation in OCAC PYP and a successful kick off to the year.
On Monday (22nd of August) we launched ‘challenge stations’ in a casual environment featuring engaging and enjoyable activities from various subject groups, including student musical performances to facilitate a sense of atmosphere. This event encouraged staff connection, discussion and interaction in subject-related learning that exposes the PYP program to new staff that is interactive and entertaining. Cultivating this sense of community in their new setting was the initial motion towards a successful orientation.
This was mirrored by a complimentary ‘appetizer dinner under the stars’ for new staff, Subject Area Leaders (SALs), Grade Level Leaders (GLLs) and Primary Leadership Team (PLT) held on Monday evening, focusing on an environment encouraging conversation, comfort and a sense of belonging through personal connection. A stunning visual atmosphere was set up by our hard-working Primary Office, aided by the sweet sounds of our own PYP Performing arts teachers with their musical talents.
Briefly, the first two days focused on a range of successful presentations by numerous staff members who delivered introductory information to new staff concerning a variety of subjects, platforms and programs used throughout PYP.
Returning staff joined new staff on Wednesday morning, as our Primary Principal Ms. YunHua welcomed all staff in a vision towards a united culture based on trust and ownership. Introductions included our fantastic SALs/GLLs Leaders and our valued new staff in a positive, warm beginning to our whole staff Orientation program that would continue over Wednesday and Thursday. Interactive workshops were the specialty for these two days, allowing all 125 staff to sign up for workshops in 8 different time slots, each time slot featuring a choice of 5 different workshops run simultaneously in various locations around the school.
On Thursday afternoon our PYP Orientation designed by PLT concluded with a slideshow of moments and memories to cap a wonderful week that raised the standards for our PYP program significantly. Through both informal communication such as conversation and data gathered by surveys, feedback on the PYP Orientation was very positive, and proved that this dynamic and interactive approach to orientation is more effective and more engaging than a linear structure as was used in the past.
To achieve this, it required significant contributions from PLT and Primary Office, facilitated by all staff members contributing their time, expertise, and energy, that is best described by saying ‘hearts and minds’ to the benefit of new staff and our entire PYP division. Naturally, there is a lot of information for new staff to pick up, and so the focus is on new staff avoiding the burn out of trying to take in all this information, but take their time in assimilating and applying this information gradually in their new environment. We thank all staff for their contributions to the new PYP of 2022-2023. A successful year is certain!
