Our winter has been filled with examining our reading instruction and collaborating with colleagues to strengthen our reflective practice. Cook staff had several opportunities to work alongside district staff and peers to learn about best practices and to implement this learning with our students. 

The school participated in a three-part reading comprehension lunch and learn series led by Shaheen Musani and Brianna Adams, which focused on pre-, during-, and post-reading strategies. Teachers engaged in hands-on activities throughout each session and explored approaches that can be applied across subjects and grade levels. These strategies were designed to spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and strengthen students’ overall comprehension skills. 

In addition to this professional learning, teachers benefited from ongoing mentoring opportunities offered both within the school and through district-based session. District mentoring paired resource teachers with classroom teachers, giving them time to co-plan and learn about different shared instructional approaches in supportive and collaborative ways. This partnership model helped educators refine their instructional practices and strengthen literacy supports for students. 

These mentoring experiences extended directly into classroom practice. For example, the school-based mentor teacher worked closely with a Grade 1/2 teacher during Daily 5 literacy time. As part of this collaboration, the students in that class demonstrated to the Grade 1/2 students how to complete and engage in literacy activities, showcasing the positive impact of shared learning and mentorship on the school community.  We loved to see our youngest Cougars be leaders in their own community!