What a View!

As most of you know, the North of Plaza space (the area north of the Ross Building) has been transformed. The breeze-block building that once housed Privett House, a gymnasium, a dining hall, academic space, art space, and a theatre, is now no more. It has been removed and shaped into an amazing, grand space on our waterfront. Eventually, it will be part of the next phase of our campus master plan that will focus on academics. In the meantime, we are enjoying the breathtaking new views and perspectives. We can now track a beautifully crafted triangle from Brentwood Bay (south) – the location of our original campus – to Mount Baker (east) and finally to our home in Mill Bay (west). It is a wonderful metaphor for Brentwood itself. A balance of triangular strength with eyes always lifted to the horizon of possibility - rooted and reaching. This reminded me of a new/old pedagogical construct - Place-Based Learning. It is a concept of breaking down artificial barriers, like walls, and embracing the local surroundings. From salmon runs to topographic mapping to outdoor poetry, our campus is the ideal spot for place-based learning. The new and multiple view corridors across our campus serve as a reminder of how fortunate we are to live and learn in such a magical space. As we move into the holiday season, let’s take time to look up from our screens and be present to those with us and the place around us. De Manu In Manum