Building Belonging and Resilience: GNS Hosts Inspiring Speaker Jeff Gerber

Feeling a sense of belonging is a fundamental human need. It provides security and fosters connection beyond oneself. This week, we were thrilled to welcome Jeff Gerber, a professional speaker and former educator, who led a series of workshops and assemblies on belonging. Middle and Senior School students and faculty across the Pemberton Woods Campus explored the difference between belonging and fitting in. A key distinction is that belonging occurs when you are recognized and accepted for your authentic self.

After watching Jeff Gerber’s TEDx talk, I immediately saw how his message aligned with the core values of GNS. Building belonging and cultivating meaningful relationships reflect our core value of individuality. Recent research in adolescent neuroscience highlights that belonging is essential to youth development, growth, and success. Throughout the summer, as I spoke with Jeff, I became increasingly confident that his voice and engaging style would resonate with our students and staff.

During assemblies and workshops, students participated in activities designed to strengthen connection and relationships. They were encouraged and empowered to support one another. Jeff introduced the BeLONG acronym—Being Loving, Optimistic, Noble and Generous—as a framework for creating caring and inclusive communities.

What I particularly appreciated was that many of the activities were ones teachers could adapt for their classrooms. Jeff emphasized the importance of teacher-student relationships in creating buy-in and connection. He reminded us that investing time now in relationship building saves time later, making teaching more effective and efficient.

This summer, I was reminded of the “Sharpen Your Saw” parable. In the story, a man walks past a woodcutter who is struggling to cut through a massive log with a dull saw. When the man suggests sharpening it, the woodcutter replies, “I don’t have time to sharpen the saw.” The lesson is clear: taking time to prepare makes the work itself more effective. Building strong relationships at the start of the year is our way of sharpening the saw.

The main takeaway for students is that each of them has the power to be a positive influence. Even small actions can have a meaningful impact on someone’s well-being. Whether it is inviting someone to join a soccer game, striking up a conversation in the hallway, or sitting with a new group in the dining hall, these gestures can transform someone’s day.

Leadership was another focus of Jeff’s workshops. He reminded us that leadership is influence, and that the most important “ship” is relationship. Senior School Prefects and the Grade 8 class had the opportunity to explore these ideas further, considering how they can set a positive tone for the year ahead.

Belonging also grows through shared experiences, and the start of this school year is filled with opportunities for students to connect. Grade 11s enjoyed their retreat at the University of Victoria and Cadboro Bay, including a paddling adventure on the ocean. Grade 12s travelled to Vancouver for their annual Grad Trip, where they visited the Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival and the UBC campus.

Next week, both the Grade 9 and 10 classes will head out on the inaugural GNS 3Cs (Courage, Community, Connection) Outdoor Education Adventures at Powell Lake Outdoor Learning Centre. In October, the Grade 7s and 8s will participate in their Camp David trips at Strathcona Park Lodge. Closer to home, Grade 6 students will take part in service activities in the coming weeks, including a beach cleanup at Gonzales.

These experiences are not just about having fun. They are carefully designed to strengthen bonds and build belonging. We are excited to continue fostering that sense of connection for every student here at GNS.