Lower Loop Latest! Transitions and Change

By Cushla Jones / May 24, 2024 / Lower Loop Latest, Learning Designers

At VERSO, the transition from one year level to the next is a thrilling adventure, filled with growth, discovery, and leadership opportunities. Each cohort—EY2-3, EY4-5, C1-2, and C3-4—journeys together with their dedicated Learning Designers over two years, fostering deep connections and a supportive learning environment.

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Greetings Lower Loop Families,

Dear Lower Loop Learners & Families,

I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who came to school in person or online last Friday 17 May, for conVERSOs. I hope you managed to gain a deeper understanding of your child as a learner. If you were unable to attend, or you have even more that you would like to talk about, please do not hesitate to reach out and ask to connect again before the school year ends.

It's hard to believe that it's almost June. As adults, we sometimes feel that the days are long, but there's no doubt each year seems to pass faster than the one before. Today echoed how quickly the year has gone by as we began our transition phase for learners moving up into a new cohort next year.

Transitions

As learners move up, they leave behind one year group in the cohort, stepping into greater leadership roles within the learning spaces. This transition not only signifies academic progression but also personal development, as older learners mentor and guide their younger peers. The excitement lies in this evolving dynamic, where learners embrace new challenges and responsibilities, shaping their character and leadership skills.

Today marked a very special transition for our C4 learners as they made their first move to the Middle Loop. They had the chance to experience the new learning spaces and were warmly welcomed by the C5 learners. Even though the C5 learners have already spent a year in the Middle Loop, they keenly remember their own feelings during their transition last school year. This shared experience created a nurturing and empathetic environment, making the transition smoother and more exciting for everyone involved.

Our Learning Designers, familiar with each learner’s journey, provide continuity and personalized support, enhancing the design thinking experience. The anticipation of new projects, collaborative experiences, and leadership roles ignites a passion for growth and achievement. Every step forward is celebrated, marking a vibrant and joyous milestone in each learner's educational journey.

At VERSO, transitions are more than moving up a year; they are about stepping into new roles, embracing potential, and inspiring others along the way.

I am sharing with you in this newsletter, an update from ML Leader Chad Walsh about our house groups and the progress made so far in learners using their design thinking to make a contribution to our house system that will last for many years to come.

It's a Creative Process

We have made significant progress in introducing, designing, and refining our four house mascots over the past few weeks. Contributions from the Lower, Middle, and Upper Loops have brought forth thoughtful and creative designs that truly shine. Some of these designs are now on display in pH7, showcasing the creative process our learners have experienced.

Our learners have embraced the concept that the four mindsets and four elements will come together to represent each house mascot. They have undergone a crash course in symbolism, subliminal messaging, and interpretive shape and color recognition, enriching their understanding and creativity.

The next phase involves narrowing down the designs to 3-to 4 sets based on the ideas of our learners. Our graphic designer is currently developing different concepts from these designs, and we will soon present the options publicly in pH7.

We will provide instructions on how the community can vote for their favorite design using a QR code. Please take the time to visit the pH7 space and cast your vote. This has been a whole school focus, and we are proud of the designs presented so far.

We will keep the community updated as this process unfolds. Remember to have your say on the strongest design that we can all be proud of and embrace as our four new VERSO House Mascots.

Inspired to Connect is WATER. Water can flow in any direction and often tries to connect with a river, ocean, or lake.

Curious to Explore is WIND. Wind can blow in any direction and can explore every corner of the planet.

Equipped to Transition is EARTH. The Earth can adapt and transition depending on the landscape and environment it is in.

Driven to Contribute is FIRE. When we add another log on the fire it contributes to the flame that is burning to burn even brighter.