Situated on over 300 acres of Canadian cottage country, Lakefield College School is an independent, co-ed, boarding and day secondary school. Established in 1879, Lakefield has always been values-driven, with a holistic approach to teaching and guiding adolescents.
The school’s mission, to “challenge and enable students to reach their individual potential in mind, body and spirit’’ naturally aligns with the tenants of positive education. Given the current research linking nature relatedness to well-being, Lakefield is creating experiences for students to build stronger connections with nature and the people around them.
Lakefield’s intentional journey into Positive Education began in the Fall of 2015. Recognizing the importance of leading by example, Lakefield began by providing all staff with opportunities to experience and learn about the concepts of physical well-being and PERMA, including the training of in-house Positive Education Leaders. The result is an infusion of positive education into curricular, co-curricular and residential programming.
Presenters from Lakefield will share their story and highlight the importance of leveraging a school’s unique strengths. Topics will include the benefits of developing external partnerships, ways to create facilities that enhance well-being, aligning practice with research, as well as strategies for getting the entire school community involved.