by William Polite
Principal on Special Assignment
Our Core Value for the month December is compassion! During the Holiday season we want to find ways to show acts of Compassion whenever and wherever that we find the possibility. One definition of compassion from the Wikipedia Free Dictionary is:
''Compassion is best described as an understanding of the emotional state of another; not to be confused with empathy. Compassion is often combined with a desire to alleviate or reduce the suffering of another; to show special kindness to those who suffer. Compassion may lead one to feel empathy with another person. Compassion is often characterized through actions, wherein a person acting with compassion will seek to aid those they feel compassionate for.”
In this definition, we see the word compassion defined as an act of emotional and physical help to others. Compassion is a term that is sometimes confused with pity. Here at Confluence Academy we would like to challenge our school community to committing acts of compassion on a daily basis. An act of compassion can be something as simple as a kind word for everyone that you speak with throughout the day. It can be helping someone who might be struggling with their homework.
Here are some ways for our families, students and staff to show acts of compassion:
Parents
1. Say a kind word to everyone that you speak with everyday.
2. Tell your child or student that you love them every morning before they leave for school.
3. Find ways to volunteer at Confluence Academy.
4. Give your child’s teacher a call just to say “Thank You for Teaching and caring for my Student!”
5. Call the Principal and Academy Director and give your support.
6. Turn the television off in your home as much as possible and require your student to read or work on math problems, games, puzzles, etc.
Staff
1. Say a kind word to everyone that you speak with everyday.
2. Tell students, in very certain terms, that you care about them and their future.
3. Call your parents and thank them for supporting you in teaching their child.
4. Leave your principal, academy director, fellow teachers and support staff small notes of appreciation throughout the month. Find ways to help your fellow staff member with something that they might be struggling with.
5. Find students in your classrooms that the school could help with special projects throughout the Holiday Season. Let your Student Support Manager know of special circumstances of families that are in challenging situations.
Students
1. Say a kind work to everyone that you speak with everyday.
2. Let your parents or guardians know that you love them everyday.
3. Let your teachers know that you care about them and that your appreciate them. Write them a kind note or give them a hug.
4. Let your principal and academy directors know that you appreciate them also by telling them or writing them a kind note.
5. Treat all of your fellow students with kindness and respect!
6. Show your parents compassion by doing your best in school each day and at home. Do not make them have to worry if you are doing the right things each day. Simply do the right thing because it is the right thing to do!