Huddle Up Leadership Committee

This past Wednesday, our Huddle Up Leadership Committee had the opportunity to join 3000 other students to stand up against bullying at the Argos Huddle Up Bullying Prevention Rally at Nathan Philips Square.  They all took this pledge:

Together, we will huddle up as one team for one dream – to celebrate, embrace, and encourage uniqueness in ourselves and others.

I promise to stand up and speak up so that everyone is part of our team and this dream.

This year the focus of the committee is Kindness and Caring.  The team is made up of grade 6, 7 and 8 students who are leading school wide efforts to promote a kind and caring school community.  Last month, the Huddle Up team ran a school wide activity that had students walking around the class and stop and say one kind thing to a classmate.  Here is a link to some highlights of the rally.

http://www.argonauts.ca/2016/11/24/huddle-up-rally-nov-23/

What is kindness and caring?

• Showing understanding and  treating others with compassion, generosity, and a forgiving spirit
• Being gentle, friendly, considerate, and willing to help
• Showing concern or sympathy for others and being sensitive to the needs of others
• Offering support and giving your time, talents, and resources to help others
• Talking positively about others
• Considering the needs of others, not just your own

What does kindness/caring look like and sound like?

• Doing something nice for somebody––a random act of kindness
• Smiling at those you know and those you don’t know
• Saying “Good Morning”
• Reminding someone how special he or she is
• Volunteering time to help others in need or donating to a charity
• Asking “How can I help?” or “How are you?”

What can families do at home? 

Parents, guardians, caregivers and family members are the first and most important character educators of children. Working together with the school and community, we can guide our children towards common beliefs. When families reinforce kindness and caring at home, it becomes a way of life for children.

Tips for Supporting Character Development and Reinforcing Kindness and Caring

• Use kind and caring language at home with family members and friends
• Model and teach respectful manners
• Listen to your children and be clear about your ideals
• As a family, take part in community service projects or civic activities
• Establish family traditions and enjoy family celebrations together
• Identify and talk to your children when you witness a random act of kindness
• Teach your children to be responsible and discerning with their choices in media, entertainment and online interactions
• Teach your children how to resolve conflict in a respectful and caring way
• Encourage kindness, caring and empathy by asking: "How would you feel if...?"