Deborah Van Delden
Deborah Van Delden
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  • Leadership Evidence and Reflections 2017/18 - present
    • 1. Fostering Effective Relationships
    • 2. Modeling Commitment to Professional Development
    • 3. Embodying Visionary Leadership
    • 4. Leading a Learning Community
    • 5. Support the Application of Foundational Knowledge about First Nations, Métis, and Inuit
    • 6. Providing Instructional Leadership
    • 7. Developing Leadership Capacity
    • 8. Managing School Operations and Resources
    • 9. Understanding and Responding to the Larger Societal Context
    • 10. Supporting the Division Vision
  • Leadership Evidence Archives
    • 1. Fostering Effective Relationships
    • 2. Embodying Visionary Leadership
    • 3. Leading a Learning Community
    • 4. Providing Instructional Leadership
    • 5. Developing and Facilitating Leadership
    • 6. Managing School Operations and Resources
    • 7. Understanding and Responding to the Larger Societal Context
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Fostering Effective Relationships

The principal builds trust and fosters positive working relationships, on the basis of appropriate values and ethical foundations, within the school community -- students, teachers and other staff, parents, school council and others who have an interest in the school.

Relationships with Staff

The staff at all Iron Ridge Campuses have become my second family.  I am so grateful to work with a group of people who are passionate about their students, committed to education and wonderfully fun to be around. 

Relationships with Students

Students will learn more from you and will work harder for you if you have created a relationship.  I work hard to form relationships with my students and get to know them as more than math students.  I want to know them as individuals outside of my classroom.  Can they paint?  Do they skateboard?  What sport or video game so they love?  
I made a lovely connection with one of our grade 6 students in my origami option.  The day before Valentine's Day, he approached me in the hall and shyly asked if he could have 29 pieces of pink origami paper.  The next day he had folded personal Valentine's for each of his classmates.  During the morning when I was doing a class walk through, he excitedly gave me a heart as well.  Since then he has asked to be in my option class again.  
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I believe that dealing with students in an open and honest manner allows for growth.  This student used a racial slur in my classroom to taunt another student.  During the class I stopped him and put an end to the disrespectful language. After class I pulled him aside for a private conversation.  I explained why the comments were inappropriate and further why they were personally hurtful.  He has since become an advocate and voice against hurtful and pejorative references in my class.
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I love when life reminds you of how interconnected the world is.  I have had a few humbling moments this years where students or parents from the past  have reached out to say hello.  
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Even the smallest moment can have a lasting impact for a student and make them feel valued. In such a busy job with pressures to go faster and do more, it is critical that we slow down and connect with our students.  
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Relationships with Parents

Keeping and open dialogue with parents for little issues builds the trust and relationships.  This in turn allows parents to lean on me for larger and more serious issues.

I welcome parents and students to reach out through e-mail at anytime.
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Relationships in Our Community

Connections within our community help parents, staff, and students see me as more than a staff member.  I love the conversations I have while participating.  I love the impact the connections have inside my classroom walls.
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Blackfalds Fun Run. Definitely more fun when the sun shines!
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Casinos! An energy packed 2 nights with positive repercussions that last for years!
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Each year our staff fund raise for our Santa's Anonymous program. We raise funds to support families in need with students in our building.
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