I am regularly impressed by quality student school work. Each week, there are students who establish for themselves a standard that is 'over and above' expectations.
Just this week, I have observed students in Kindergarten and Stage 2 work hard to perfect story writing skills. Stage 1 has been busily developing their understanding of division (judging by the excitement of the Stage 1 teachers, the students are highly engaged in learning this important concept).
Recently, the winners of our Science Week Smart Bin competition have had their designs on exhibit at the school reception. Many of these winning designs show a deep engagement with the task, displaying imagination and creativity. I have also had the pleasure of seeing students compose simple ostinati (repeated rhythmic pattern) and watched others design computer code.
Stage 3 students presenting poetry and helping set up for assemblies during their playtime also show a commitment to our learning community. During lunchtimes, a number of students have been giving their time to perfect skipping routines for JR4H. These examples demonstrate that when committed to a learning opportunity, our children can achieve 'above and beyond' what is expected.
Such instances (and much more), are real-life situations where students have chosen respect. To 'Choose Respect,’ in this context means to see learning and helping as a privilege. It means to appreciate the hard work of the teacher who has prepared the learning opportunities. It generally results in a sense of achievement and well-being that snowballs into a hunger to be a life-long learner. Once our students have left school in Year 12, what will they take with them? What will the ‘residual’ effect of school be in their lives? Will it be ostinati patterns from a music lesson or skipping routines learnt at lunchtime? Maybe, but more importantly, it will be an ongoing delight in learning that is fuelled by a God-given curiosity which school and home have nurtured. Choosing Respect truly means to ‘do my best to learn, and to help others learn.’
