The Junior School is a place where our students can grow in their knowledge and understanding of the world God has created for us to enjoy and care for. An important aspect of the learning that takes place is students learning how to treat and care for themselves and others.
Helping our students care for one another starts with developing wisdom. As we begin this term, we have been talking with students about what wisdom really means. To be wise means more than being intelligent or knowledgeable, I believe that wisdom is knowing what is right and then choosing to do it.
Every day, children face situations that require wise choices. They may see someone being excluded from a game, hear an unkind comment, be tempted to join in gossip, or find themselves frustrated with a friend. In these moments, wisdom helps them pause and consider how their actions affect others.
The THINK tool that is often used in discussions about social media use can help students to make wise choice in any situation. At last week’s assembly, I encouraged students to ask themselves the following before speaking or acting:
- Is it True ?
- Is it Helpful ?
- Is it Inspiring ?
- Is it Necessary ?
- Is it Kind ?
These questions have the potential to make a remarkable difference. Imagine the impact if we all stopped and thought before speaking in the playground, responding to a disagreement, or sharing in a group. Our relationships would become stronger if kindness, honesty and respect guided our words and actions.
Of course, wisdom is not just for children. As adults, we model these same behaviours every day. Children closely observe how we speak about others, how we respond when we disagree, and how we handle frustration and disappointment. They learn as much from what we do as from what we say.
This can be particularly important in conversations with other families, discussions on social media, interactions at sporting events, or communication with staff. Before we speak, post, email, or comment, we might ask ourselves the same THINK questions. Are our words true, helpful, inspiring, necessary and kind? Are they building trust and understanding, or increasing conflict and division?
Another important lesson we are teaching students is that wisdom does not mean being perfect. The reality is that all of us, children and adults alike, make mistakes. We sometimes say things we regret, react too quickly, or fail to show the kindness we intended. Wisdom is not found in never getting things wrong; wisdom is found in recognising when we have and being willing to make things right.
One of the wisest words a person can say is "sorry." A genuine apology acknowledges the hurt caused, accepts responsibility, and seeks to repair the relationship. Our sincere expressions of sorry can have a powerful impact on children. When children see adults who are willing to apologise, forgive, and learn from mistakes, they gain a powerful example of humility and character.
As a school community, we all contribute to the culture we create. When students and parents alike choose kindness, respect, honesty and grace, we build a place where people feel safe, valued and connected. This is the kind of community we want our children to experience and the kind of community we want them to help create. More kindness. More trust. More strong friendships. More people feeling valued and respected.
As James 1:5 reminds us, God generously provides wisdom to those who ask for it. May we all seek that wisdom this term as we guide our children and model the behaviours we hope to see in them.
