Growth – Why we need to do “Hard things”

Growth isn’t something that happens by accident.  Growth isn’t something that happens by doing easy things or making easy choices.  Growth only happens when we set goals, action small steps and ultimately embrace doing “hard things.”  In our Green Penguin meeting last week I talked to our staff and students about why it is important to voluntarily embrace doing  “hard things.”  When we choose to take on difficult challenges it makes us stronger and when life challenges us involuntarily, it means we are better prepared to face these challenges.  One of the hardest things we face as parents is watching your child go through something that is tough and not being able to fix it for them.  However, sometimes being brave enough able to step back and let our kids struggle through challenges is the best thing we can do as we know they will come out of the experience feeling empowered and more resilient human beings. 

We often admire those people who people whose growth almost seems to be at a superhuman level.  Whether it be a performer, an artist, a sports person or even a parent juggling home and family life, we all have people we look up to and admire.  We often see their final performances and are amazed by their achievements, but what we don’t see is all the hours they have spent developing goals, planning their training/job lists and overcoming failures along the way.  Growth rarely happens by accident and isn’t purely based on talent, it usually happens because these people voluntarily embrace doing “hard things,” even when it’s uncomfortable, inconvenient, and tough going.

Doing hard things forces us to grow because it takes us beyond what we already know and pushes us out of our comfort zone. Whether it’s having a difficult conversation, committing to a new goal, or facing a fear, these steps make us better and stronger people in the long run.

As we head into Week 5, I challenge you to ask yourself and your child/children: What is one “hard thing” you’ve committed to or maybe even avoided? That thing might just be your first step to growing as an individual.   

This week has certainly seen a change in our weather patterns and a very late Autum is certainly upon us.  Our Autumn colours really are stunning here at PDS.  Today I had the great pleasure of having Wyatt and Emily (Yr.4 students)  share their amazing writing about how they feel about Autumn.  Their use of descriptive language was top notch, but more importantly they were able to share with me that in order to demonstrate our value of Growth, they needed to listen to, and then act upon feedback.  With their permission I am sharing their writing below.

Crunch, crunch went the peachy, orange-coloured leaves under my feet.  The water was calm and flowing softly and the soft wind was taking the leaves to the distant mountain ranges.  The breeze was cold and soft on my face and the sunset was beautiful.  It was ablaze with bright pink and orange with tints of yellow.  It was the best day of my life, I could have fallen asleep.  As the sun was leaving, the moon took over and made the forest dark.  The birds took their leave and flew to their nests.  As the night got darker the silence was peaceful, and the moonlight gave a nice slight glow.  The aurora sky was the most beautiful part of the Autumn sky. 

Autum (By Emily)

Crunch, crunch! Went the crisp, dry leaves under my shoes.  I continued along the narrow, barely visible leaf covered path.  The trees were cherry red, mango orange and pineapple yellow.  Like a painter’s palette, the autumn leaves burst with colour.  The leaves covered the ground like a cozy blanket.  Autumn had wrapped the world in its colour. 

Leaves fell in my hair.  One by one they fell, each a brighter colour than the last.  Spots of evergreen trees could be seen every now and then.  The cool autumn breeze blew like a whisper.  Moss had overgrown the fallen trees.  The cold water ran in rivers, lakes and streams, shiny and gleaming bright like a star.

As the sun began to set, beautiful colours like passionfruit purple, dragon fruit pink, lemon yellow and blueberry blue filled the sky like an instant light show.  The cold air was soft like a baby’s hand.  The autumn sun had set, it was time to leave the forest. 

I love Autumn days.

Congratulations to Wyatt, Emily, 3/4D and Miss Beard for sharing their high quality writing with me.

 “Communicating with families” meetings

Firstly, thankyou to all our secondary families that took time to join our meetings last week. We know staff and students really valued your support and attendance.

Our Primary meetings will take place during Week 7.  The Booking System will be available to families by Wednesday of next week.

(Please note that meetings for families with students in 3/4C Marshall will happen next week.)

Assemblies

We look for forward to welcoming families next week at the following times for assemblies on Thurs 29 May in our school gym.

• Secondary Assembly - 12:00 pm
• Primary Assembly – 1:30 pm (5/6 Enright and 1/2 Collins will be our sharing classes.)

Yours in partnership

Adrian Beard

Assistant Principal