In this article I would like to share with our community something very special about XLIS. At our assembly recently I told students that this may be one of the most important things they would ever learn!
XLIS is an inclusive school. We recently invited some experts from ECEB1 to teach us about inclusion. Dominick, May, Duo Duo and Sophia came up on stage and taught the entire primary school community how we take care of others who are different to us. They shared how they “love” their friend Saoirse and how they are “caring” towards her. These experts are truly leading us all in this fundamental area.
We have other inclusion experts in XLIS and one of them is Maria Trujillo who is our enhanced learning teacher in the primary school. I will let Maria introduce herself below.
Maria Trujillo
Enhanced Learning Teacher
I´m María Trujillo the new PYP enhanced learning teacher. I started my career working as a pedagogical advisor for educational TV and media projects, then my interest on learning from children development guided me towards teaching and It’s been 10 years since that wonderful decision.
I have a Master degree in Montessori Education from Loyola University of Maryland and a Special Education training from Kentucky University. I have dedicated the last 5 years to teach in the field of special education offering tailored support for students in the academic, social, emotional and life skills areas.
Inclusion for me refers to support the creation of living and learning spaces where everybody can access and participate. It also has to do with our ability as teachers to be mindful of the diverse and unique characteristics of every single one of our students in order to provide equitable, high quality, significant learning opportunities for all of them. Reaching out to them individually and offering the support they need in order for them to achieve their individual potential for excellence.
Another inclusion expert on staff is Mrs. Biglands who teaches ECEB1. Here is part of Mrs. Biglands’ philosophy of inclusion.
Melissa Biglands
ECEB1 Homeroom Teacher
I believe very strongly as an Early Years educator in creating a safe, welcoming learning space where children feel valued and respected. This is essential for children to grow in confidence to be risk takers and to develop a positive sense of self and belonging. Whilst they are curious and often ask direct questions, young children are also naturally open-minded and inclusive. They seek social interaction usually unaware of the differences adults see because they simply want to play with others. Often, they are not even selective about gender in their playmates until later. My social/emotional learning outcomes aim to foster this international-mindedness and inclusive attitude.
Inclusion takes many forms at XLIS from our sports to our classrooms. Will you join with us in achieving our vision to lead education through innovation and a student-centered, community driven approach? Will you help us create a place where everybody is unique and that uniqueness is celebrated?
