Deputy Principal - Student Development and Wellbeing

Personal Development this term is focusing on the Seventh Habit of Highly Effective Teens - Sharpening the Saw (Covey et al, 2014). When students are guided through Sharpening the Saw  they learn the importance of caring for the four pillars of their wellbeing – Body, Mind, Heart and Spirit. They are empowered to be in charge of their actions so that they can positively impact their wellbeing and subsequently their learning. 

Sharpening the Saw provides and encourages students to utilise strategies to strive for continuous improvement. If we are aiming at enabling students to find their individual excellence, then they also need to take control and responsibility for their own wellbeing. Within the seventh habit of highly effective teens, students learn the importance of taking care of their body by eating right, exercising and getting enough sleep. They know the importance of spending time with their family and friends, and they recognise that learning takes place not just at school but in their interactions with the world around them including through their relationships with others. 

As educators and parents of adolescents we are already acutely aware that sleep matters. It matters because it gives time for the brain to regenerate and reinforce learning that has happened during the day. We also know that a consistent lack of sleep can spiral out of control and impact the way a young person views the world. Small problems become insurmountable and coping skills take a dive as students have little energy or capacity to draw on any resilience that has been stored from past experiences. 

At a time of year when students are being asked to deliver evidence of their acquired knowledge and skills, students need to be at the peak of their game. It is normal for students to feel nervous around exams and assessment expectations, but it is not okay for them to feel it because they are underprepared or lack the energy that comes from ample sleep, eating the right food and preparing well in advance.

It is never too late to start to acquire the necessary habits to enable great learning to happen. By working together to wrap around our young people, students will hear the same message from their team of supporters. In our personal development lessons, we can hold wonderful robust discussions about the importance of sharpening the saw by improving how they maximise their wellbeing in areas as simple as getting enough sleep. The biggest change happens will happen when we are all singing from the same song sheet and when we recognise that our ultimate goal is to prepare students to be the best versions of themselves. This can only come when we ensure that they are developing habits that foster both wellbeing and subsequently their capacity to learn.

Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become YOUR WORDS.

Keep your words positive because your words become YOUR BEHAVIOUR.

Keep your behaviour positive because your behaviour becomes YOUR HABITS.

Keep your habits positive because your habits become YOUR VALUES.

Keep your values positive because your values become YOUR DESTINY

Mahatma Gandhi