As a child, Helen Keller was continuously bombarded with what she considered as frivolous and meaningless gestures of the movement of the hands by her teacher; until that wonderful day when Helen Keller connected the relevance of the movement of the hands with words. So too, everyone, including students, need to be continuously bombarded with teaching and training techniques to ensure that appropriate discipline is created. To acquire such a skill, a person needs to practise. However, the following old axiom is not true—practise makes perfect. It needs to be amended to the following: perfect practise makes perfect.
Years ago, I queried my grade twelve class about a behavioral issue. If there were seven billion people like you in the world, would people need to have locks on their doors? The class answer was a resounding ‘no.’ I queried them again, if you had three days to live what would you do? Majority of the students responded they would steal anything they desired. In disbelief, I asked them, ‘why?’ They mentioned there is not much that can be done to them because they only have three days to live. Grant you, these students were answering the question as a ‘hypothetical’ but their answer may not be significantly different than what our society thinks today.
However, the following simple story further illustrates a very basic powerful but sad commentary in our society today. Last week, thieves stole a van and used it to rob a bank; while being pursued by the police, the thieves rolled the van. Wind gusts blew the paper dollar-bills all over and a second investigation was initiated to apprehend the by-standers that collected the loose money. In all likelihood, these by-standers would not have gathered the money if the police officers were standing right beside them.
This year, an additional component was added to the Mortlach School Behaviour Communication Log (BCL). A ‘BCL’ is issued to a student by a teacher to improve their behaviour. The purpose of the new category is for the student to reflect on their behaviour; do they base their behaviour on ‘Principles of Character’ or ‘punishment---getting caught.’ There is no right or wrong answer but we would prefer the former. The goal is to spur on reflection by the student--- to create real change by challenging their paradigm.
Key concept:
What would our society look like if decisions were based on the ‘Principles of Character’ rather than anticipation of being ‘caught?’
The following are some of the examples Mortlach School is initiating to ensure a safe and caring environment:
- The ‘Behaviour Spectrum’ is laminated and is posted in each classroom thereby teachers & students understand the terminology. I.e. Positive Independent Behaviour: appropriate behaviour without supervision.
- Teachers will teach and train students the ‘Principles of Character’---honesty, integrity, service, fairness, respect and kindness (Principles are similar to natural laws such as gravity---they never change.)
-Teachers will create routines (habits), do-overs and reminders; and be respectful at all times----perfect practise makes perfect.
Mr. Nickel
Photos on this page:
Left: Principal Tim Nickel is interviewed by CTV
Right; Taylor with Teddy the bear
Left- 2009 Provincial Bronze Winners!!
Left: Eric, president of school SRC is interviewed by CTV
Right; Mrs. Johnstone and Mrs. Cobbe, teachers
Bottom; Lorrie and Keith Hall with CTV lady in middle
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