Versatile Vice Principals
Photo by David Guo
Life at Hamber has certainly been different in the last few years, but two familiar faces have guided the students through it all: the Vice Principals.
Ms. S. Blair and Mr. D. Ambrose have been at the forefront of Hamber’s COVID response. The Nest recently had the opportunity to discuss the roles of our Vice Principals with Ms. Blair.
When asked what she is looking forward to in the coming school year, Ms. Blair explained that student engagement and a sense of safety and community are key for Hamber students.
Ms. Blair discussed what she wanted to set in motion in the beginning of the year before COVID-19 and how those goals have changed during the pandemic. “We had our [start of year] assembly this year and last year to discuss important subjects like safety and code of conduct, and I thought it was interesting that we did it online.”
During the pandemic, Ms. Blair and Mr. Ambrose have been taking on some additional responsibilities, like developing solutions for how COVID-19 affects the student body and what that means for the environment at Hamber. “We’re using a trauma-focused lens and seeing that people might not be so comfortable with crowds,” says Ms. Blair. “I see it in the hallways with people looking out for each other and making sure everyone feels safe. We’re also trying to encourage fresh air and getting people to go outside as that’s really important too.”
One of the big changes in Hamber this year has been the implementation of FIT time for students to have flexibility to control aspects of their own learning. “We are implementing FIT time this year and making it very student-led, while making sure students are able to get into the groove of actually having FIT time,” said Ms. Blair. The administrative staff also had to facilitate locker sign up this September, along with the implementation of mask mandates. Along with those issues, other COVID policies have been a main focus for Ms. Blair and Mr. Ambrose. “I feel the students and staff are being respectful of our new policy of wearing masks at all times in classrooms. I see students still using the hand sanitizer and washing their hands. We just need to work in the cafeteria and make sure we have just eight at a table. I think our pandemic policies are being followed quite well at Hamber.”