More Than Numbers The Kells Approach to Meaningful Math Learning
Principals’ Perspectives
Tom Malone, High School Principal
Marla Perlman, Elementary School Principal
At Kells, math is more than a subject—it’s a mindset. It’s where curiosity meets chal- lenge, and where students are empowered to think big, build confidence, and lead with curiosity. While our longstanding
This inclusive, multi-faceted ap- proach helps reduce math anxiety and cultivates a growth mindset in learn- ers of all levels. By giving students the tools—and the confidence—to engage deeply with math, we open the door to higher-order thinking that extends far beyond the classroom.
This year at Kells has been defined by a re- newed commitment to student engagement and a deepening of our vibrant school culture, a win- ning formula for high achievement across disci- plines. From math and science competition wins to creative exploration, from athletic success to meaningful community involvement, our students and staff have embraced ample opportunities to learn, grow, and connect. Together, through hard work, collaboration, and shared ambition, our staff and students have built a school year full of memorable moments and lasting accomplish-
As we head into the final stretch of the school year, there’s so much to celebrate at Kells! From out- door education and hands-on science to teamwork and creativity, our students are making learning an adventure every day. This spring, we’re proud to highlight The Winning Formula—our commitment
to math excellence and innovative tech integration. Our math enrichment students continue to excel, and we’re looking forward to strong results from the recent Math- ematica Centrum national competi- tion. Our Fantastic
success in regional and national math competitions continues to impress—this year’s accolades adding to a decades-long legacy—these achievements are a reflection, not the focus, of our deeper purpose. What truly sets Kells apart is how we teach math: with intention, innovation, and inclusion. Under the leadership of Ms. Ungureanu, Math Specialist, and Mr. Jankowski, Head of Math, the Kells math program is designed to meet students where they are—whether they’re mastering the basics or diving into advanced explorations. Our approach is rooted in inquiry, creativity, and col- laboration. It’s not about memorizing formulas; it’s about making sense of the world through mathe- matical thinking.
As Dr. Judy Willis, a former math teacher turned neuropsychologist who visited Kells last year, put it: “These higher-order thinking skills provide today’s students with opportunities to be tomorrow’s creative problem solvers.” Our students are embracing the challenge—and discovering just
ments. Academically, we’ve enhanced the English Lan- guage Arts curriculum and improved alignment in our ESL program. Kells students excelled in the Cayley math competition, finishing first in Montreal and second in Quebec. Our new commu- nity service program and distinguished guest speak- ers—including Montreal
how powerful math can be. They’re ex- ploring how algorithms fuel innovation, how data drives critical deci- sions, and how
Elastic Brain Fair celebrated growth mindset, stu- dent choice, and creativity. From Flex activities like chess and hydroponic gardening to inspiring field trips and expert-led workshops—including a Global TV feature on our Little Medical School visit—stu- dents are learning with confidence and curiosity. Outside the classroom, Kells students are leading with heart—supporting the Terry Fox Run, Jump Rope for Heart, and baking for Resilience Montreal. We’ve also celebrated diversity through Internation- al Day and Orange Shirt Day. Our extracurriculars have been thriving—highlights include robotics & coding, fencing, and soccer with Académie du CF Montréal. In the arts, students visited the Symphony and are preparing for our Spring Concert, cele- brating Canadian music. Kells students continue to grow, explore, and thrive—proving every day that they are the key to The Winning Formula.
Native Women’s Shelter Director Nakuset, former NFL player and anti-drug educator Alvin Powell, Youth Advocate and Anti-Racism Activist Malik Shaheed, and Concordia Biology Chair Michael Sacher—have sparked meaningful dialogue, in- spired social awareness, and deepened student en- gagement beyond the classroom. Extracurriculars continue to thrive with new art and music clubs, as well as an array of boys’ and girls’ sports teams like volleyball, badminton, and futsal, alongside Flex programs including yoga, chess, drama, robotics, and film. As the school year draws to a close, we are proud of our achievements and excited for the future!
logical thinking underpins fields from medicine to engineering to space exploration. Throughout the year, hands-on learning experiences bring these concepts to life. Most recently, students across all grade levels participated in interactive workshops led by the University of Waterloo, where they tackled complex, real-world problems and practiced thinking outside the box. Math is no longer just about solving equations—it’s about understanding and engaging with the forces that shape our future. At Kells, we believe that every student can be a math student. By nurturing curiosity, encourag- ing resilience, and celebrating progress, we’re not just building strong mathematicians—we’re devel- oping agile thinkers ready to lead in any field.
Students are encouraged to question, experiment, and make meaningful connections between abstract concepts and real-world applications. Lessons are dynamic and diverse—blending hands-on learning with real-life problem solving and the latest educa- tional technology. From interactive whiteboards to simulations and data analysis tools, students are not just learning math—they’re living it.
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KELLS ACADEMY SPRING 2025 NEWSLETTER
KELLS ACADEMY SPRING 2025 NEWSLETTER
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