We're Mrs.Brach and Ms. Burnett and this is our inclusion adventure in the Netherlands
Travel
Our journey began on a 12:30 flight from Powell River. We flew from Vancouver at 4:45. We were excited and nervous. They brought us dinner fairly quickly and then woke us up at midnight for breakfast.
The Delft
We were met by Hans and Joske at the airport in Amsterdam. Although it was 2 in the morning our time, we were excited and eager to see new things! They drove us to Delft where the royal family used to live. We were taken to the new church which was built in the 1300’s! This is where royalty was buried under a stone slab leading down a staircase to the cellar. The grandeur of the church in size and beauty wasn’t something we will ever forget. Prince William of Oranje, who actually came from France, had a special,place of honour in the church. We then walked through the market and the canals and had an amazing coffee and handmade chocolate truffle at a chocolate shop and proceeded to the old church. We concluded our visit eating a beautiful lunch of tosti on the canal sitting in the warm sun. As we walked by the canals we saw hundreds of bicycles. There are many areas where cars aren’t allowed on the cobblestone streets. Joske shared that they have to remove bicycles that have fallen in the canal each year. We all had a good laugh when a few minutes later we saw a commotion and a car had actually fallen into the canal.
Kinderdijk (unesco windmills)
Our second stop was at the amazing windmills. These 19 windmills were created to remove the water from the areas below sea level. They pumped the water up to each of the successive windmills and over the dike out to sea level. These amazing windmills have thatch roofs which are famous here. They last over 10 years and can often be seen in Dutch architecture. We were able to enter a windmill and see how a family with 13 children lived and worked there hundreds of years ago.
Day 2
School for Special Education
We had the pleasure of visiting two schools for special education - Antoon van Dijk School and Zuiderbos. Both schools were very welcoming and we saw strategies we use in our schools. The children were so excited to meet us and share their English skills. We are bringing back some new ideas from these schools. Thank you to staff and students for welcoming us, We even sampled apple pie made fresh from the students of Zuiderbos!
Presentation - Erik Wissink
Thank you Erik for your insightful presentation on “Samenwerkingsverband”, a word which we will use in our next scrabble game. This is a very big word for collaboration or partnership. It is fascinating to see how the education system is similar and different from ours.
Afterwards we had lunch at the teacher college and continued to share ideas.
Afterwards we had lunch at the teacher college and continued to share ideas.
Meet to Create 2.0
Boards of Schools, local alderman, SWV Helmond en Eindhoven directors (principals), Special Education Coordinators, and university students all met to discuss the future in education specifically around inclusion in the Netherlands. We gave a presentation on inclusion in our little school with a big heart ❤️. Dutch educators were very interested in what we shared and had many questions for us. This was followed by a round table discussion where educators had the opportunity to connect one on one. What an amazing experience!
Day 3
Den Haag ( The Hague)
What an amazing day from start to finish! It’s hard to know where to begin!
We were picked by Annemie and Peter at our hotel. Peter chauffeured us to the train station from Helmond. We rode to Eindhoven where we met up with Hans and continued on to The Hague. This is where the legislature and government buildings reside. We were able to walk around the government buildings to where the King does his business. We had our first coffee of the day at Cafe Dudok - the most famous cafe in the Netherlands!
We were picked by Annemie and Peter at our hotel. Peter chauffeured us to the train station from Helmond. We rode to Eindhoven where we met up with Hans and continued on to The Hague. This is where the legislature and government buildings reside. We were able to walk around the government buildings to where the King does his business. We had our first coffee of the day at Cafe Dudok - the most famous cafe in the Netherlands!
Mauritshuis and area
This was an incredible art museum that happened to have a Rembrandt exhibit. It is so difficult to imagine the beauty of these works in person! Along with Rembrandt, they displayed the works of many other amazing Dutch artists including Johannesburg Vermeer. His painting of the Girl With a Pearl Earring is one of the most well known paintings in Dutch history. It was an incredibly moving experience!
Gemeentemuseum and North Sea
The first art gallery was historical, but this one was completely modern! We started by visiting a feminist women in fashion exhibit! It was a beautiful display of fashion as a feminist statement and quite inspiring. We also visited the exhibit of a famous Dutch artist Mondrian who was inspired after World War 1. Mondrian and many other artists of that movement used a minimalist approach to art which also inspired architecture. One of his most famous works, Victory Boogie Woogie was exhibited here. We also saw many examples of Delft pottery. Amazing,
We walked by some amazing buildings. This was an incredibly wealthy area many centuries ago. The beautiful brick mansions along tree lined walkways with bunches of crocuses are something to see! We finished the afternoon by walking down to the beach for a glass of wine at the De Waterreus- an amazing restaurant on the beach with gas fireplaces at all the tables. The beach was incredibly beautiful but so windy! There were surfers everywhere and we literally felt like we were being blown down the beach! This will definitely be a place we would love to revisit when it is warmer and calmer!
We walked by some amazing buildings. This was an incredibly wealthy area many centuries ago. The beautiful brick mansions along tree lined walkways with bunches of crocuses are something to see! We finished the afternoon by walking down to the beach for a glass of wine at the De Waterreus- an amazing restaurant on the beach with gas fireplaces at all the tables. The beach was incredibly beautiful but so windy! There were surfers everywhere and we literally felt like we were being blown down the beach! This will definitely be a place we would love to revisit when it is warmer and calmer!
Finish the day in the Emmastraat
One of the most incredible parts of our day was dinner with Peter and Annemie! The hospitality of the Dutch people is truly amazing! They invited us into their incredible home to dine with them. We shared wine, smoked salmon appetizers, courgette (zucchini) soup, and a main course of mushrooms, salad, and stuffed pasta. We finished the meal with port and cheeses from around the world along with a serenade, tons of laughs, and even a little tango! It was a day and night we truly won’t forget!
Day 4
Amsterdam
This must be one of the most beautiful cities we have ever visited. It would be impossible to share with you everything we experienced today but we will give you a few highlights. We began the day with our tour guides Joske, Nicole, and her husband, Frank picking us up at the hotel. We travelled by train and in addition to the incredible beauty, one of the first things we noticed were the bikes - rows upon rows of bikes on multiple levels. So many people in this country ride their bikes and with the large population in Amsterdam,it becomes even more important.
Canal tour
We began our day with a tour of the amazing canals on one of the boats pictured above. The beauty of these homes , houseboats, and other buildings along the canal cannot be described. If you have a chance you must see it for yourself. The Anne Frank House was incredibly moving even though it was sold out so we couldn’t go in. We will pick a few of our other favourites.
Touring the city
We walked and walked and were able to see so much, we visited the oldest pub for a koffie (coffee), walked through an amazing park in the middle of the city called Vondelpark. This is an amazing green space in a populated city. Apparently Amsterdam has a population of around 900 000 with 18 million tourists last year. We also saw the Dam which is where the Royal Palace and church reside as well as a small catholic sanctuary where 108 women (but not nuns) choose to live in a solitary place.
Tomorrow more school visits and a trip to our local castle...
Day 5
Openbare Basis School Brandevoort
The city of Eindhoven, next door to the city we are staying in, Helmond, ranks 3rd as a European city of the future. This top technological region of the world is conscious of the need to develop the skills of students in technology to help fulfill the job requirements of this region.
To begin the day, we visited OBS elementary school which is so big that it has 2 campuses. The community is aware of the need for skilled workers so many businesses have formed a partnership with schools, called Brainport. Brainport schools focus on environmental learning, 21st century skills, inquiry learning, preparation for international language and cultural skills, personalized learning, and group learning. This is very similar to the skills being developed in the new curriculum in BC except for the specific partnerships with the community. Business groups, cultural organizations, municipal services or parents who come in to work with students and share their knowledge. It is an exciting partnership that draws on the expertise of the community. We have developed some partnerships in Powell River but perhaps we should consider improving in this area. The reality is that there are many experts that can share their ideas with our children.
To begin the day, we visited OBS elementary school which is so big that it has 2 campuses. The community is aware of the need for skilled workers so many businesses have formed a partnership with schools, called Brainport. Brainport schools focus on environmental learning, 21st century skills, inquiry learning, preparation for international language and cultural skills, personalized learning, and group learning. This is very similar to the skills being developed in the new curriculum in BC except for the specific partnerships with the community. Business groups, cultural organizations, municipal services or parents who come in to work with students and share their knowledge. It is an exciting partnership that draws on the expertise of the community. We have developed some partnerships in Powell River but perhaps we should consider improving in this area. The reality is that there are many experts that can share their ideas with our children.
We saw many amazing things...
PABO
After the school visit, we went to meet Sophie Verhoeven, Miriam Wouters-van Tilburg and Lilian Pullens at the college responsible for teacher education. We had an invigorating conversation around inclusion in British Columbia and the possibilities in the Netherlands specifically in regards to teacher training. Afterwards, we moved to another room to have lunch with students in the Master in Special Needs program and we were asked to do an impromptu presentation. Following our presentation, students were given the opportunity to ask questions and discuss these ideas. We appreciated the honest conversations. We look forward to ongoing dialogue with the faculty and students in this program.
OBS De Stroom
As soon as we walked through the doors, we felt the warm and welcoming atmosphere of this school. We were met by Maarten Jacobs, the directeur, and two of the students who showed us around their school. The boys, Acey and Lars, were amazing tour guides! They were very proud to show us the JEELO program they had implemented. This is a program that focuses on social skill development and academic learning, using school-wide themes in multi-age groupings. This school plays classical music to begin and end the day which we found beautiful and calming.
After school, we joined a staff meeting and shared a snack of Rollmops Haring (pickled herring), cheese, chocolate, meatballs and tomatoes. We had an open and honest discussion surrounding inclusion and it’s benefits and challenges. We look forward to further collaboration with the staff of our little Netherland’s sister school with the big heart ❤️.
After school, we joined a staff meeting and shared a snack of Rollmops Haring (pickled herring), cheese, chocolate, meatballs and tomatoes. We had an open and honest discussion surrounding inclusion and it’s benefits and challenges. We look forward to further collaboration with the staff of our little Netherland’s sister school with the big heart ❤️.
Utrecht
It was a little alarming to hear about the shooting at Utrecht. We passed through this station several times in the past two days on the weekend. It is hard to grasp that something so tragic could occur in a place as welcoming and safe as Holland. Our hearts go out to the families of this tragedy! To our friends and family, we feel very safe!
Day 6
OBS de Ranonkel
We began our day at a fabulous elementary school. This school was so aesthetically pleasing and they had many things in place for self regulation. It was exciting because the used the ideas of thoughts, feelings and behaviours being connected but they had tangible items for students connect to. For example, they had a back pack full of wooden blocks with feelings on it. The children could pull out their feelings to share with others. The other children could then identify the fact that this child was carrying an extra load when they have those feelings.
When we went until a primary classroom, Mrs Brach introduced herself as Kristen. The children got excited and thought she said the same word for Santa Claus. The children got so excited! When she pulled out her Powell River pins, they almost couldn’t control themselves! Santa was here and brought gifts- adorable! Our apologies to the teacher!
Amazing work! Thanks to the principal, Laika, for taking the time to meet with us!
When we went until a primary classroom, Mrs Brach introduced herself as Kristen. The children got excited and thought she said the same word for Santa Claus. The children got so excited! When she pulled out her Powell River pins, they almost couldn’t control themselves! Santa was here and brought gifts- adorable! Our apologies to the teacher!
Amazing work! Thanks to the principal, Laika, for taking the time to meet with us!
Zorgboerderij D’n Hoef
This was an amazing center for special needs students struggling in their regular school setting. This is a program offering horse therapy to support children to be able to return to school. The philosophy is learning in nature and the goal is for the school to become entirely sustainable. The grounds situated on a 5 acre farm are beautiful and they have horses, alpacas, chickens, goats , donkeys, dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. In their after school program, which includes all variety of children. They even do vaulting which is performing acrobatic tricks while riding a horse.
OBS De Bron “Bron Appetit”
Bron Appetit is the restaurant developed and run by children of this amazing school. We were greeted by some wonderful children wearing chefs hats who welcomed us enthusiastically. They brought us coffee and Dutch pancakes in honour of National Pancake Day (Nationale Pannenkoekdag) on March 22. The children were adorable and the food was delicious! The principal, Lutske, was very generous with her time and so similar in how she works with children. Again, self regulation was definitely a focus.
OBS Klein Kapitein
We enjoyed our visit at this beautiful school . The staff was involved in a Professional Development Day so their weren’t any children or staff but there was still lots to see. There were some amazing small spaces for children to sit quietly. We were also so impressed with a magnifying computer that could do so much more for children with visual impairment. It’s all about accessing education for all children!
Van Gogh Village Nuenen
Wow! It was incredible to be able to see the many landmarks that inspired many of Van Gogh’s works. Nuenen was a village where Van Gogh grew up and they have created a museum in his honour. We were able to learn about his short life and many of his inspirations. Incredible...
After our visit to Nuenen, we visited the school of our host and amazing tour guide, Nicole. Although the school was under construction we could see the thoughtful planning to create meaningful spaces for children. We have some great ideas to take back to our school. Thank-you, Annemie and Nicole for a great day!
After our visit to Nuenen, we visited the school of our host and amazing tour guide, Nicole. Although the school was under construction we could see the thoughtful planning to create meaningful spaces for children. We have some great ideas to take back to our school. Thank-you, Annemie and Nicole for a great day!
Koninklijke Stadsharmonie Phileutonia
We were so lucky to enjoy dinner at the hotel with our new friend, Peter. Afterwards, we went with him to his orchestra practice. It was incredible to watch the conductor and his interactions with the orchestra, especially since we couldn’t understand what he was saying. They did an amazing job and we are so happy we were able to see them. Peter - you made “the cut”! Well done to you and your band!
Day 7
PABO De Kempel
We had an incredibly inspiring morning! We had the opportunity to present to third year university education students regarding inclusion. The system here is very different but we were able to share our passion towards meeting the needs of all students regardless of their abilities. It is essential to start these conversations early with our future educators who are just starting to learn about teaching. It was so motivating to share our journey with the up and coming educators. Their freshness and enthusiasm was incredibly inspiring.
We also enjoyed meeting with their instructors who shared our passion. Thank you PABO!
We also enjoyed meeting with their instructors who shared our passion. Thank you PABO!
Helmond Castle
Many thanks to Joske and Hans who realized how much we wanted to see the castle so they made it happen! This was a beautiful castle we kept seeing during our week here. They did a great job explaining the history of this amazing place. We would highly recommend a visit!
Professional Development Day
All we can say is wow! We had an amazing afternoon listening to speakers and then sharing our story with 250 teachers. We so appreciate our Dutch welcome! We have learned so much from each one of you and we hope you have learned from us as well!
Wellness centre
Off to the spa,..yes, Henderson it is Wednesday!😀
Day8 - our final day 😢
OBS Klokhuis
We visited a lovely school with a variety of classes. This year they are holding special classes for gifted students from around their school district one day a week. The children started the day with games. Then their teacher did a lesson on rare fish and their characteristics followed by project. The children were quite engaged. It caused us to reflect on the fact that we need to support our learners who need a challenge.
OBS de Lindt
We visited this beautiful school that has two full time gifted classrooms. A lovely young boy came and shared with us about his school. He was so enthusiastic and informative. He spoke English very well too. We loved hearing about his project based learning and how much he enjoyed it.
De Ontdekfabriek
This is a specialized children’s centre where children can explore a number of activities including building, programming, art and science. Classes can visit this centre - we saw a young group of children while we were there. We were so impressed by the thoughts behind this centre and the activities it provided!
Lunch in Strijp-S
This is a beautiful neighbourhood located near the old Phillips factory. This area is part of an amazing part of Holland in Eindhoven. The area looks uses materials from old factories and is quite trendy. The lunch was delicious!
Emiliusschool
This is a specialized school for children with special needs. The school has created specific curriculum to support children with significant developmental delays. The principal John van Dijon was so welcoming and Anton showed us around. They had some amazing resources in this centre that we can take back the ideas from.
School De Ruimte
This was a beautifully designed new school created to facilitate project based learning. There were many open spaces for children to work together. The oldest children in the school have even started a cheese business and they make and sell their own cheese. It was delicious!
Cheese!
We had the incredible opportunity to visit a cheese shop! We sampled so many incredible cheeses it was difficult to decide which ones to bring back!
Reflections
This has been an incredible journey for us. One of the things we noticed most was how similar we are. We met so many amazing teachers, principals and students who are all working together to make education better. The only real difference is inclusion. The teachers we saw are already teaching inclusively to the students they have, so the change likely wouldn’t be as great as they might expect. We hope they found some inspiration as to why we are inclusive in BC and perhaps begin the conversations about whether this is possible in your country. We look forward do hearing from some of you on your journey!
Farewell Dinner
We had a lovely farewell dinner at a Spanish tapas restaurant called Senora Rosa. We enjoyed some amazing food, wonderful conversations, and most all, a few more hours with our hosts, Hans, Annemie, Joske, and Nicole (Peter and Frank too) These people have come to be colleagues, friends, but even more, like our family. We appreciate the thoughtful, kind way you treated us on our journey. We grew both professionally and personally. We look forward to keeping in touch and we will miss you ! 💕 to each of you!