November 2016 – Happy Schools

Brain Food – Part 2

November 19, 2016

Don’t damage the boat- No boat owner would knowingly damage their boat, so it follows that no human would knowingly damage their brain. Apart from accidental injuries and illegal drugs, things which can harm the brain range from smoking, stress and sleep deprivation to poor dietary habits and a negative mindset. Goal number one is to avoid these damaging entities. Dock the boat in stimulating surroundings- Our brain function improves in every measurable way when we find ourselves in environments that are mentally, physically and socially stimulating. Adventure prevents dementia! Fuel it the finest- Our dietary choices affect the health of our brains. Our brains consume 1/5 of all the nutrients and kilojoules we ingest. What we eat has a…

Letting Go of Hurt and Grudges with Colleagues

November 17, 2016

Stevef

Resilience

If you work with people long enough, there will be times when there are misunderstandings and upsets with colleagues. When difficulties continue over time, very significant hurt and distrust are often the result. This is very understandable, of course. I don’t know any perfect people and we are all allowed to be human. But at the same time I am concerned about the cost of holding onto hurt, both for the performance of the team and also for the individuals concerned. On this, the research is clear – holding on to negative emotions over the long term, has a significant detrimental effect on our mental and physical health. As soon as we possibly can, we are better off letting go…

Celebrate Your Achievements

November 10, 2016

Stevef

Resilience

At times we focus too much on the many things that we have NOT done, instead of celebrating the many things that we have achieved. This can especially be the case at the end of the year. At this time of the year it is important to reflect on the MANY things that you HAVE achieved during the year. Think back on the key events that happened each term. Remember the school events and trips that have been successfully undertaken, the parental concerns that have been resolved, the crises that have been managed, the many initiatives undertaken and especially the progress that students have made. This progress is easy to see in early childhood years where students emerge as readers…

The Power of Positive Language

November 3, 2016

Stevef

Effectiveness

The Language we use supports and continues our Beliefs, Beliefs become our Experiences, Experiences influence our Outcomes , Outcomes reinforce our Language and the cycle continues. Therefore it is important that wherever possible we use positive language. This is especially important in our ‘self-talk’ – that very personal language you use on yourself! If it isn’t positive then it doesn’t serve you! If you say “I don’t have the ability” you will get just that! Change this statement to “I anticipate I will find the way to have the ability?” The words we use are powerful. Consider powerful, positive alternatives to these dis-empowering, habitual words. CAN’T – Unless it is physically impossible then you CAN. We sometimes use…