November 25, 2011

Do you like receiving feedback? When you do something, is it one of your hopes that you will receive some honest feedback about the job you did? Do you look forward to job appraisals? Do you focus more on the things that you are doing well or the things that need improvement? Does a performance appraisal intimidate you or motivate you?

These are some of the questions that you as parents will need to face in the near future. It's learning report time again. Last Friday, the students didn't come to school so that our teachers could mark assignments and tests and work on their students' learning reports.

I know that for some students and parents this is a difficult time. Some students may find learning difficult or find that the effort needed to do well does not come easily to them. Other students and parents may find this process a time of celebration and rejoicing. Those students have put the necessary effort into their school work and have been gifted in a way that matches with the way we as a culture have set up our schooling process.

Regardless of your perspective on the learning report process, I want you to use this time to look for the nuggets of encouragement. Look at the report, talk to your children and their teachers, and rejoice where your children have used their gifts and talents well. Set goals for the next term. Set up consistent and predictable habits at home so that your children know what is expected of them. Stay in touch with their teachers so that we form a great partnership of support for your children.

These habits will encourage and support your children well. As much as your children may not enjoy the practices you are mandating, remind them that they will thank you later in life. The determination and support you provide today will serve them well as they live their lives.

As you fulfill your parental role and as your children fulfill their student roles, may the Lord look upon you with favour and bless you with the words found in the parable of the talents: "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share in your master's happiness!" (Matthew 25: 23)

In Christ,

Mr. G. Petrusma

Principal