Welcome Back Norsemen!
The dawning of a new school year is like New Year’s in September. We make resolutions to be broken, promise to re-connect with lost friends, look forward to the fresh start that will wash away broken promises and dreams, walk uncomfortably in new clothes, and revel in the smell of new backpacks and fresh school supplies. Nevertheless, September gives way to the winter months, and before long that little hop in the step everyone has in September turns to a trudge through the depressing gray of our winter “wonderland”. This year I challenge all of you to be part of a change – a commitment to that first week of school enthusiasm throughout the year. Mahatma Gandhi said “You must be the change you want to see in the world...” – At North we’re challenging students and staff to “be the change”.
Last year North hosted a two day “Challenge Day” event. Challenge Day is a nationally known and respected program that has been featured on shows such as the Oprah Winfrey Show. During Challenge Day, participants are challenged to break down barriers created by ethnic stereotypes, societal cliques, and gender and age differences. Participants are encouraged to see one another as people, and the humanizing process of the day is powerful. Challenge Day’s slogan is “Be the Change”, and everyone is asked to be part of a movement to eliminate the barriers that keep us from communicating as people. At North, we are challenging our staff and students to maintain the positive first week of spirit that leaves us open to others, excited about being Norsemen, and open to every possibility.
As the leaves began to fall and summer slips away, there is a tendency for our positive spirit to fade with it. Our school year is off to a tremendous start, and the positive spirit in the building has been fantastic in this first week. The change is to keep that feeling alive, and grow it through the school year. So – to “Be the Change”:
· Commit unsolicited random acts of kindness
· Reach out to someone new, someone from outside your social circle
· Commit yourself to showing your appreciation for others – at least twice a day tell someone you appreciate them for who they are or what they do
· Make a promise to yourself – and keep it
· Talk less and listen more
· Show your appreciation and interest in others by asking them questions about their lives outside of school
In short, give of yourself, and you will receive tenfold in return.
Finally, our staff committed to a school wide book club this summer, and read the book The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. Dr. Pausch died recently as a result of pancreatic cancer, and in his months of terminal illness, he wrote a book and delivered a “last lecture” in which he shared life lessons. One of the powerful phrases he uses is “be a Tigger not an Eeyore”. Most of us are familiar with the stories of Winnie the Pooh. Tigger is a vessel of boundless energy and enthusiasm, while Eeyore moans and complains his pessimistic way through life. I encourage everyone to “Be the Change” – be a first week of school Tigger all year – not a gray February Eeyore...Have a GREAT year Grosse Pointe North!
The Principal's Office is a blog created by Tim Bearden, Chief Academic Officer and Upper School Director at Detroit Country Day School, an independent school in Beverly Hills, MI. While content will sometimes be specific to Country Day, the majority of posts are specific in scope to issues concerning teaching and learning in the 21st century.
