We are experienced middle school educators, with a range of experience between us.  We have been working alongside our Senior Leadership team at St. John's School to open a dialogue with our school community members (i.e. faculty, parents and students) around finding balance in our use of Smart Phone technology.  Students have identified this as a source of anxiety and stress in their lives, and we decided to try and support them this year through various initiatives that we hope to share with you. 

Stephanie Brook (BEd, MEdTech) is the MYP Coordinator and Assistant Senior School Principal, responsible for students in Grades 6-10 at St. John’s School in Vancouver. She is an experienced educator who has been working in International Schools around the world, teaching the Primary and Middle Years Programmes of the International Baccalaureate for the past 20 years. She is passionate about the intersection of technology and education and the important role that educators play in teaching, modeling and promoting healthy use of digital tools in our everyday lives.

Nicola Doughty (RCC) is the school counsellor for Grade 6-12 students at St. John’s School in Vancouver. While working full time, operating a small private practice and mothering an active thirteen-year-old, mindfulness strategies play a vital role in keeping her grounded, joyful, and not addicted to her iphone. Developing and implementing strategies to support positive mental health in the classroom is one of her main pedagogical passions.