Kia ora e te Whānau o Whetūkairangi
In this short 11 minute documentary, 'An Adaptable Mind' describes what it takes to make the world a better place. The list of vital skills for our modern world contains five qualities that - you guessed it - machines can never have:
- Curiosity
- Creativity – in the sense of liberating human energy
- Initiative
- Multi-disciplinary thinking – not multi-tasking but multi-asking
- Empathy
When we reflect on the Character Strengths Whānau Day last Friday, I witnessed many of these skills for the 'modern world' in action. Schools, as both academic and social organisations, have a big job to do in helping parents out in their quest to develop great citizens of the future. I can't stress the importance of this 'whole person' learning enough.
It doesn't stop with children!
I have been so heartened by the feedback from many of you that the work we are doing is impacting on you personally as well. For me, it's not just about the little darlings (as much as they would like it to be!), it's about being part of a flourishing community, where we all help each other out.
For the parents, grandparents and friends who were helping out and who joined us in the staffroom last Friday for morning tea (and the 10 minute quiz... 8/10 at a push!) ...that just felt great. There really was this sense of being in it together - making the most of the human qualities that makes this school community such a privilege to lead and belong to.
Ngā manaakitanga