“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him, bless his name;
Good indeed is the LORD, His mercy endures forever,
His faithfulness lasts through every generation.”
Psalm 100: 4,5
Each week, we focus on one of the Schoolwide Learning Expectations (SLEs) by explaining its meaning and providing students with examples of how they can successfully achieve the goal. A few weeks ago, we asked students to reflect on their progress since the start of the school year toward the first pillar – FAITH. Each student in Kindergarten through grade 8 picked one area where they believe they are GLOWING, and one area where they thought they were still GROWING. For the first example, they provided concrete evidence of their success, and in the second example, they identified ways that they could work toward improvement. The students did a remarkable job; their reflections were honest, thoughtful, and sincere.
As adults, we sometimes get caught up in the premise that everything we do must be perfect at all times. We believe that every aspect of our lives – health, finances, careers, parenting – is a competition, and if we think we are not “making it,” we must “fake it.” We blast social media with our achievements to impress others. While it is certainly important to recognize and applaud what is going well, there is no opportunity for growth if we do not also honestly and accurately reflect on where we need to improve. Fortunately, our children have embraced the concept of a Growth Mindset much more readily than some adults do.
I believe the best way to recognize our strengths and limitations is by practicing an Attitude of Gratitude. Turning to God and genuinely thanking him for all the gifts He has given us helps us to realize how very blessed we are, and when we intentionally focus on what is good, rather than pining over our wants and desires, we tend to appreciate those gifts more deeply. This year, as you gather around the Thanksgiving table with family and friends, ask your children to share ways they believe they are GLOWING, and thank God for those successes. We should also humbly ask Him where we need to GROW. He will show us the way, and give us the grace and mercy to change.
On behalf of the Faculty and Staff of St. Michael’s School, we wish you a very joyous and blessed Thanksgiving.
Grade 1
Grade 4
In Mission, Kathy