Entrepreneur Craig Dempsey is quoted as saying:

“Some people will lead and others will follow, but like in life, optimism and leadership are not something that you are born with or receive, it is, in fact, something you create, foster and grow from within”

This week on Early Years Assembly we explored one of our targeted College learning dispositions – Optimism, a disposition that can, in fact, be LEARNED, increased and developed at any age. 

An optimistic person is one who is hopeful, looks on the bright side, a glass half full type of person. They see the “good” in people, situations and the world around them.

There is much we can do, as parents and teachers, to encourage and develop optimism in our kids and ourselves. Exercises and practices which increase and maintain optimism include expressing gratitude, using more positive language, the physical act of smiling, and focusing on sharing happiness.  Accepting uncertainty is a useful way of diminishing anxiety and becoming more optimistic.

I have written before of a terrific book that is available in our College library (parents are welcome to borrow it) called “The Optimistic Child” by Martin Seligman. I highly recommend this book to parents as a great ‘self-help’ guide for families. In another of his books, Seligman writes:

― Martin E.P. Seligman, Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life

Congratulations to the recipients of our Early Years Excellence Awards presented on assembly on Monday, and to Year 3HB who led the assembly for us. All the students who received these awards this week were striving to be the best learners they could be by embedding the College learning dispositions in their daily life and learning. 

Romans 15:13  “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” 

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Katrina Walton

Assistant Principal Early Years