With the adoption of the CAREs model at school. Our school has put a focus on trying to help our students define Respect and Kindness, what that looks like, sound line and feels like.

Through a parent survey the common definitions are listed:

Respect

• The ability to value someone’s feelings and worth
• Understanding and following boundaries for myself and others
• Giving value while accepting differences
• Respect includes equality, recognition and respect for the value of others, and consideration for others’ feelings, rights and dignity.

Kindness

• the ability to show consideration, being friendly and generous
• Showing care for others, including people, living things, and the environment
• be thoughtful of others while expecting nothing in return
• Love

To be able to CARE for ourselves and other students need to be able to enact aspects of respect and kindness for themselves and towards others in face to face and virtual interactions.  We asked our grade 7 students the following questions:

• At school, I am learning how to care for my mental health.
• Are you learning how to solve problems with others in peaceful ways?

The chart attached indicates that most of our students can understand and demonstrate respect and kindness but it also suggests that there is more work that needs to be done. 

As a school, we will continue to explore and learn:

• How can we reach all students to allow them to practice the skills to CARE for themselves and CARE towards others
• What kind of professional development can staff engage in to continue this learning