A message from Margie
Self-aware
The next stage of our Self-Aware theme this term has been recognising our own character strengths and setting goals for aspects of ourselves we want to improve. I think self-awareness is so important throughout life. At 62, I am still trying to know myself better, to remain curious and to consider the impact of my words and actions on others - and I hope I always will be!
Our aim is for students to understand that knowing and celebrating their strengths builds confidence and character. Just as importantly, showing themselves kindness when they make mistakes and recognising these as areas for growth is essential to becoming the best versions of themselves.
Some students from the Year 4/5 and the Year 2 classes spoke to me today about their strengths and areas for growth. I think they’re pretty brave to share this, don’t you?
Year 4/5
Zoe: My strengths are kindness, looking after people, and being caring and energetic. I’m also funny! With learning I try to think of different ways of looking at problems. I try to put things into other words so I can understand them. I want to get better at joining in with people I don’t know. I might start by saying “hello” to begin with. I’ll be brave and give it a try!
Zadie: My strengths are being kind, funny, nice, happy, and determined. With learning, when I get to a problem, I know that I need to see it – I’m very visual. I’d like to be more brave and confident. I want to focus on the positives and not always think about the worst side of things.
Harvey: I am energetic, curious, self-aware, and smart. When I approach learning, I like to see it in a positive way and not give up. I try to think of other ways to work around problems if I can’t get it at first. When I’m learning, I also think about how much I love to learn new things, because I want a proper career! Even when it’s boring or hard, I try to keep going and push through it. I want to work on communication and teamwork, like working better with others. I’m going to try to listen to their ideas and connect these to my own ideas.
Year 2
Manny: I’m good at art, making other people feel happy, and looking after pets like axolotls. I’m trying to get better at keeping up with my interventions because I would like to improve my reading levels. I also want to build more of a routine.
Edith: My strengths are kindness, I’m good at drawing, and I’m brave! I’m trying to be braver and not get bored during phonics.
Lucy: I’m good at reading and art, and I’m energetic. I’m a kind friend to others. I’m trying to get better at not interrupting people.
Sage: I’m really kind and friendly. I’m helpful and happy most of the time. I like to laugh and I’m funny! I’m working on not getting upset when something’s hard. I try to stop, take a drink of water, and go back to working.
Hunter: I’m good at reading, art, and science. I’m energetic and curious, and I have a microscope and binoculars! I’m trying to stop lying to people, like saying they’ve done something when they haven’t. It’s hard to remember not to do this, but I’m getting better at it this year! I want to have more friends, and I think this will help.
At home, please ask your children about what strengths and areas for growth they've identified through our self-aware theme this term so far. I know they'd love to hear yours too!
I'm heading to Canada next week to visit my family for five weeks—although I must admit, escaping winter for a Canadian summer is also quite appealing! I’ll be about as far from Uraidla as it’s possible to be on this planet. As a child, I could never have imagined moving so far away; it just goes to show that you never know where life will take you.
I’m truly grateful that life has led me to this wonderful community, and I look forward to seeing you all on my return in Week 3 next term. Until then, you’ll be in Troy’s very capable hands!
