Learning Insights

The summer holidays end soon. Another transition is approaching our families, and while the first day of school can be exciting, it’s not always easy. Many of us are eager to get back to routines and the social life at school, but we dread the end of summer’s freedoms and adventures. The months to come […]

Heading to university? Here’s a list of things to expect when you take this exciting life step. (I recently interviewed some students who are headed back for second year.  These are their comments for you, future frosh:) CHALLENGES YOU’LL FACE POSITIVES YOU’LL ENJOY OTHER CHANGES TIPS FOR YOUR TRANSITION TO THIS EXCITING NEW PHASE: Have […]

It’s a new school year, and with this fresh start comes opportunities to try new things. I challenge students to make a strong, positive first impression with their new teachers! Here’s how to do it: Be a proactive, motivated person who’s not afraid to ask for help or voice concerns. Teachers want their students to […]

Are you about to start high school? If you’re embarking on this exciting life stage, I bet you have a a mixed bag of emotions: anticipation, excitement, anxiety, denial, and even a bit of fear…?! Don’t worry. That’s all normal, and all good! What’s the best way to manage this mix of jitters? Here are […]

With Parent-Teacher interviews approaching, are you filled with anxiety and nerves? Does sitting in that small kindergarten chair, across from your child’s teacher, take you back to the days when you got in trouble at school? Whatever your feelings or childhood experiences, you must maximize the fraction of time you’ll get to chat about your […]

If you’re planning to take postsecondary programs after high school graduation, start early with your program research and planning. That means..… think about it in Grades 9 & 10! Do your research and campus tours starting in Grades 10 & 11! (And don’t worry if you’re already in Grade 12 and haven’t done a thing […]

MID-SUMMER REFLECTIONS As soon as the August long-weekend rolled around, I started seeing back-to-school ads on TV, signalling the half-way point of summer vacation. I bet you did too! I want to shout, “summer, slow down!” The reality is, we’ve still got lots of time left to enjoy the beautiful summer season. This is a […]

This post is an excerpt of mine from a July 2021 BACKYARD CAMP issue/email newsletter! You must check out this Canadian website for families. I’ve copied some information below about the creative, fun, and smart activities and challenges they share for parents to keep their kids busy, active, and learning. SLEEP TIPS FOR THE LAZY […]

At the end of the school year, what do you and your kids do to show thanks to their teachers? It’s an important question to ponder after more than a year of pandemic uncertainty, pivots, and perseverance. Our teachers have shown up for our families through thick and thin! Showing gratitude is a wonderful skill […]

If you’re a fortunate candidate who’s been invited for a scholarship interview, congratulations! You’ve progressed through some tough competition and are nearing the finish line. I’ve got some interview preparation advice for you. It’s imperative to prepare thoroughly for an interview, so you can make an impact in your short meeting with panelists. STEP 1: […]

High school students who seek my services often complain about a lack of motivation, trouble with focus, or ongoing procrastination.  My diagnosis: a lack of clear goals. Without goals during your educational journey, you could drift through your courses, school day after school day, and not fulfill your academic potential. Goal setting is a life […]

Mid-term progress reports are coming out.  For many, it won’t be pretty. This may be a reality check for some students, and there may be some tension around the house for a few days. Here’s my inside scoop about November reports: Brace yourselves!  November progress reports may be shocking! Get ready, because these reports can […]

What will it be like at your house when final report cards arrive? Joy, celebration, and rewards? Or shock, tears, and disappointment? If there’s disappointment and failure, don’t dismay. Some of the best opportunities for a student’s growth come from academic failure and setbacks. Failures at school present kids the opportunity to learn from them, […]