Sometimes the subtle messages we send our school communities, even about seemingly trivial matters, make a difference.
This is fundamental to our RP2.0 model, which commences with a focus on Language. Unless your school (that’s the whole staff) changes what it says and how it says it, culture change is a pipedream.
At this time of year, we have an opportunity for a small shift in language about Christmas (or end-of-year) gifts for teachers.
An ugly, unedifying and profoundly commercial artefact has crept into Australian schools about outdoing other families when it comes to gifting. It’s usurped what teachers genuinely value when it comes to the concept of appreciation.
The gift, therefore, has become of greater value to the giver than the receiver. And that’s the antithesis of important traits like generosity, compassion and altruism.
The best Christmas presents have time and effort expended in their production, not money.
The gifts that touch our hearts are macaroni posters, recorded videos of gratitude and hand-written thank you letters.
November is a chance to broadcast a little language into your community that your school values appreciation and gratitude more than dollars. Do it before car park chatter proliferates with parents jousting over the cost of spa vouchers, personalised wine labels and jewellery.
In many communities, especially amidst a cost-of-living crisis, you’d be providing practical relief by killing this pervasive narrative too.
It’s a small message, but within it hides the potential to shift the narrative in your school a few degrees and show that your values are true behavioural commitments led by those who run the show.
Keep fighting that good fight,
P.S. I sat down with Karyn Fitzgerald, the Principal at one pf our partners, Berrima Public School, a little while back, and we chatted about the transformation they’ve gone through at Berrima in their partnership so far.
It’s hard to put into words, but Karyn talks about waking up in the morning knowing, “Something beautiful is going to happen today.” What a feeling!
I thought I’d share it with you here.
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