In episode 3, Shannon Gillespie at Nanaimo Christian School shares a passion for middle school-aged students specifically, and Nanaimo’s unique theme-based structure for their learning. Join the ESC “Gam” as we learn: that some of us really don’t know much about musicals; that in Nanaimo, bathtubs are for racing in the Salish Sea; the payoff when you take the time to onboard new students; why middle schoolers are not just shorter high school students; how Shannon’s grade 8 math class delved into the world of real estate; that flexible student grouping can encourage engagement and passion in learning; how a commitment to professional co-planning and collaboration is worth the effort; why fitting in is the opposite of belonging; that BC ferries can double as a pretty good whale tour.

You can reach Shannon at Shannon.gillespie@ncsnanaimo.com. She also has her own podcast for her students called "In the Middle Of..."

Episode 3: Shannon, Nanaimo, and Cultivating Belonging

Every Square Centimetre is a podcast celebrating and finding inspiration in the amazing people, places, and practices in and around Christian education across Canada.