Goals, Growth & GRIT

I love having a goal to work towards and feel a great sense of personal satisfaction when I can see that I am making the right steps to achieve it! My goals do not have to be big – they can be simple yet achievable, and let’s face it, sometimes they are as basic as making sure the kitchen gets a ‘deep clean’ over the weekend. Other goals may require greater planning, time and effort to complete. Whether big or small – goals require GRIT.

Now that we are halfway through the academic year, it is a perfect time for students to reflect on the learning over the past six months and take time to consider their ‘next steps in learning’. When children have clear goals, they are more motivated to work towards achieving them and are better able to recognise and celebrate their progress along the way.

Goal setting teaches children that success does not happen overnight, and sometimes (or always) requires patience and perseverance. It helps them understand the value of effort, GRIT, reflection and celebration. By breaking tasks into smaller, achievable steps, students learn how to manage challenges and develop problem-solving skills. Even when goals are not achieved immediately, valuable learning takes place as children reflect on how they can remain faithful when things go well and when they don’t!

Our Parent Teacher Interviews are intentionally placed at the beginning of a new semester to help you reflect on your child’s learning progress and, in partnership with us, begin to look forward as we consider the academic, social and emotional goals for each student. It was wonderful to see parents and teachers in conversation this week – and we trust that the moments shared together will help you navigate any goal setting conversations at home with your child.

Each child’s focus areas and goals will be different. It could be an academic focus, a skill development in music or sport, taking greater responsibility or gaining confidence in the playground or classroom settings. Regardless of the focus, it is important that we encourage their effort and celebrate the joy of taking small steps each day.

In a term where GRIT will be spoken and celebrated, let us be champions of our learners, encouraging and cheering them on as they develop the Fruit of the Spirit – patience, faithfulness and joy in the everyday moments that grow their character, knowledge and understanding of who they are as a child of God, a learner and a friend.