Welcome to the brand new year of 2024! We hope this message finds you well-rested, rejuvenated, and ready for the exciting journey that lies ahead. As we step into this new chapter, it’s a time for fresh starts, new goals, building new habits, and discovering new abilities.
Bible Memory Verses: To kick off the year, we have chosen a powerful Bible verse to guide us: Ephesians 3:14-15 (NIV):
“For this reason, I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.”
This verse speaks largely about the importance of family, unity, and acknowledging the divine connections that bind us together. We encourage students to reflect on how this verse relates to their lives and the relationships they share with their families and friends. By doing so, they not only strengthen their understanding of the scripture but also develop their communication skills. We believe that fostering a deeper connection with spiritual teachings can contribute positively to their personal growth and character development.
This verse will be recited next Tuesday. Just a reminder that to get a 4 – Extended, students will need to state how this verse is relevant to them in their lives. Some suggestions could include:
- Family Appreciation:
- Teach students to appreciate their families as a foundational support system in their lives.
- Encourage gratitude for the love, care, and guidance provided by their parents and siblings.
- Discuss the concept that families, both earthly and heavenly, play a crucial role in shaping one’s identity.
- Unity and Collaboration:
- Emphasize the importance of unity within families and classrooms.
- Teach the value of working collaboratively with classmates, acknowledging that everyone contributes to the overall success of the group.
- Highlight that just as families come together, a classroom functions best when everyone is united and supportive.
- Respect and Humility:
- Discuss the idea of kneeling before the Father as a symbol of humility and respect.
- Encourage students to treat each other with kindness and humility, fostering a positive and supportive atmosphere within the classroom.
- Emphasize that everyone, regardless of differences, deserves respect and understanding.
- Conflict Resolution:
- Teach conflict resolution skills based on the idea of kneeling before the Father, emphasizing the importance of resolving disputes peacefully and respectfully.
- Help students understand that disagreements are a natural part of life, but how they handle conflicts matters for maintaining unity.
- Building a Supportive Community:
- Discuss the broader sense of “family” that extends beyond blood relations to include friends, classmates, and teachers.
- Promote the idea that a supportive community is essential for personal and collective growth.
- Encourage students to be mindful of how their actions impact the well-being of the larger school community.
- Identity and Belonging:
- Explore the concept that every family derives its name from the Father, emphasizing the idea of belonging and identity.
- Help students recognize their unique roles and contributions within their families and the classroom.
- Foster a sense of belonging by celebrating individual differences and strengths.
- Gratitude Practice:
- Incorporate gratitude exercises into the classroom routine, where students express thanks for the positive aspects of their lives, including family and community.
- Foster a positive mindset by regularly acknowledging and appreciating the blessings in their lives.
- Encouraging Empathy:
- Discuss the interconnectedness of families on earth and in heaven, promoting empathy and compassion for others.
- Encourage students to consider the feelings and experiences of their peers, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding.
By exploring these themes, Grade 5 and 6 students can derive practical lessons and insights from Ephesians 3:14-15 that are relevant to their everyday lives, helping them navigate relationships, build character, and contribute positively to their communities.
December Sock Drive: Thanks to the generosity of our students and their families, we collected an astounding 118 pairs of socks. This accomplishment goes beyond numbers; it reflects the compassion and giving spirit of our Highroad community. I am immensely proud of each student who participated, showcasing the true meaning of kindness and generosity.
Weds Cozy Casual: Looking ahead, mark your calendars for Cozy Casual Day this Wednesday. Your support for Highroad Helps has been incredible, and we’re thrilled to have another opportunity to celebrate the school community. Cozy casual attire includes pajamas, making it a day of relaxed fun for everyone. As a bonus, we already have another cozy casual day scheduled for January 17, offering a double dose of comfort this month.
Kindness Crew: Finally, we’re excited to announce the return of the Kindness Crew, starting again tomorrow. This initiative focuses on promoting kindness, empathy, and inclusivity within our school community. As students engage in various kindness activities, they’ll not only strengthen their interpersonal skills but also contribute to creating a positive and supportive school environment.
Here’s to a fantastic year filled with growth, learning, and acts of kindness. I am so looking forward to working with my amazing students once again. See you tomorrow!!!