From the Leadership Team
Increased Gratitude Leads to…
I have been reading an excellent book called Gratitude in Education by Kerry Howells, a researcher from the University of Tasmania.
Howells lists some research findings about gratitude. She notes that increased gratitude leads to:
- a greater sense of wellbeing
- increased optimism
- a tendency to exercise more
- a decrease in depression
- a greater sense of connectedness
- a greater ability to deal with adversity
- improved relationships
- and greater joy and satisfaction.
In addition to these benefits, Howell’s own research suggests that an attitude of gratitude increases student engagement in learning. She has found that if students think about what they have been given rather than look only for what they receive, their learning transforms and they are able to be more present and engaged in their learning. I think she is onto something here.
Within her research, Howells reflects on the empirical work of Barbara Fredrickson who states that as people become more grateful they are more “creative, knowledgeable, resilient, socially integrated, and healthy” and better at “dealing with stress and adversity”.
The research is unequivocal about the fact that an attitude of gratitude is a very powerful disposition to cultivate and practise. My sense is that as we continue to focus on this character trait this semester, we are only beginning to scratch the surface of its significance for us all.
Gratitude Day
Next Tuesday is Kilvington's Gratitude Day. Staff and students will engage in a range of activities throughout the day including building a Gratitude Tree. Students will create their own leaf which will share what they are grateful for. There will be opportunities to meditate and dance, and to create origami filled with gratitude messages in Japanese, and to design gratitude French Flags.
Senior School students will hear from a guest speaker at Assembly, and the Year 7 – 9 students will attend a workshop with sculptor, Nicolas Jones.
There will be an opportunity to purchase Gratitude Lolly Bags and give them to someone as a ‘thank you’. There will also be a sausage sizzle. All funds raised will be donated to Beyond Blue to assist them in the outstanding work they do in the area of mental health.
Happy Gratitude Day!
Jon Charlton, Principal