Birthday Card Traditions: 

One of my traditions at Western Heights is to give every child a birthday card on their birthday - or on the closest day to it if their birthday falls on the weekend or during the holidays.

I am not always successful - some families for example like to take their children somewhere special for their birthday so are not at school on the day.

I have had some wonderful responses over the years - some little ones for example have held on to their card all day, never putting it down. 

A mum recently wrote to me sharing her thoughts about this tradition.

"I am Yu Xi’s mother. I have seen the birthday card that Yu Xi received from her principal. Yu Xi was so happy and excited; she proudly showed it to every family member. I don't know what I should say. Yu Xi is lucky that she has a principal who cares and loves kids as parents do. With teachers’ care, love and teaching, I think my daughter is encouraged to be a good girl all the time. 

At the same time, this gives her a positive influence to learn about caring about others and providing warmth and happiness to her buddies. I think this is the best gift she received. This is a good opportunity for me to express my respect and appreciation to you. I am surprised at the enthusiasm, love and persistence you as a good principal have. 

In such an environment I believe Yu Xi is safe, happy and in the right way while she grows up at school.

All the children and families value and treasure your kind regards. Also, it makes me feel warm to see you greeting every child in the morning and supporting traffic when we leave. Everything you and your team have done is perceived and appreciated. What I said is not only kind and nice words; it is true that there must be enormous enthusiasm, love, persistence and effort to achieve these things.

I heard Yu Xi is learning about Bucket Filling. I want to ask, whether you can spread the Bucket Filling and Pay It Forward theories and teaching methods to all primary schools and kindergartens around New Zealand. I am not sure whether this is a proper question, as I do not know whether the curriculum framework from the Ministry of Education has emphasised this part. 

Seeing the sad things happening by teenagers these years makes me sad and I wonder about the future for some of these young people and even the future of our country. I think one of the main reasons is there is a lack of good education. If all kids were taught Bucket Filling when they are young, the situation could change in the future. 

This is only my personal suggestion. Again thank you, for all that you and your teachers have done for our kids and families."

Bucket Filling is practised in a number of schools in New Zealand and also in the United States to my knowledge.

As far as I know, we are the only school that applies a 'Pay It Forward' philosophy and practises - well, this one and the previous two schools I introduced to it.

Many children provide little treats for classmates on their birthdays. Our advice to parents if you are thinking of doing this, is to keep it little and simple so parents are not spending too much money. Sometimes there is baking - such as these stunning cupcakes that Claire brought to share on her birthday.