Counting our blessings
Kerri-Lee Evangelides - Crawford Lonehill • April 13, 2020
By: Kerri-Lee Evangelides - Crawford Lonehill
Gratitude is an emotion expressing appreciation for what one has and for being thankful. It is also about showing others appreciation and kindness. It is a recognition of value independent of monetary worth.
Research shows that people differ in the degree to which they are inclined to experience and express gratitude. It involves a process of recognition, has obtains a positive outcome and secondly that there is an external source for that good outcome.
Gratitude strengthens relationships. Its roots run deep, derived from ancient history when one’s survival needs were both to help others and to be helped in return. Studies show that people can deliberately cultivate gratitude and there are important social and personal benefits in doing so. Psychologists find that over time feeling grateful boosts happiness and fosters both physical and psychological health, even among those struggling with mental health problems. Practising gratitude curbs the use of words expressing negative emotions and shifts inner attention away from such negative emotions.
Gratitude begins by noticing the goodness in one's life. It’s worthwhile to pause and build reflective moments of gratefulness in your life
Here are some ways to foster gratitude:
Keep a journal of or in some way note big and little joys of daily life. Thanking others is important, but it is also essential to be grateful for one’s own life progress.
· Write down "three good things" and identify three things that have gone well for you and identify the cause to these.
· Write thank you notes to others. This is a perfect opportunity to get students thinking about who and what they should be thankful for
· Think about people who have inspired you and what was most significant about them. You may feel a need to create a list of people who have positively contributed to your education or brainstorm people who have cared for you in difficult times.
· Imagine what your life would be like if some positive event had not occurred.
In the classroom gratitude traditions may start out as:
· Encourage acts of kindness by directing kindness assignments to students. Anonymous notes of encouragement to a fellow student struggling with Mathematics as an example.
· Pupils may be encouraged to focus on noticing acts of kindness. Each time they see a particularly thoughtful or considerate action, they may post a shout-out on a digital platform or place a note on the classroom kindness wall.
I would like for us as staff members and pupils at Crawford School Lonehill envision traditions of gratitude and appreciation for each other in 2020. It is essential for us to remember that gratitude makes a huge impact in the lives of others and is a lasting gift that we can always cherish as individuals.
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK Crawford International Sandton From the classrooms of Crawford International Sandton to the forefront of aeronautical engineering in the Netherlands, Dylan Bizjak’s journey is one of ambition, resilience and innovation . Pursuing a Passion for Engineering After matriculating in 2019, Dylan initially pursued Aeronautical Engineering at Wits University. However, six months into his studies, a new opportunity emerged, one that would take him beyond South Africa’s borders. He secured a place at Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Delft, Netherlands, where he embraced the challenge of international study, even navigating his first year remotely due to the pandemic. Now a graduate with a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering (2024), Dylan has stepped into the professional world, joining Eve Reverse, a pioneering start-up dedicated to climate-positive innovation. What began as an internship in his final year evolved into a full-time role as a Research and Development Engineer, where he contributes to the creation of sustainable, carbon-negative materials. His proudest achievement? Playing a key role in the development of the Eve Dry Tile, an innovative flax fibre material designed to reduce emissions and waste in manufacturing. Achievements at Crawford International Sandton Gareth Beach Award (2019) – Recognised for bravery, dedication, self-development and outstanding achievement in swimming. Sportsman of the Year (2019) – Acknowledged for excellence in swimming, basketball and boxing. Reflections on Crawford Dylan credits his time at Crawford for preparing him for both academic and personal success on the global stage. “Crawford’s approach equips you for university and beyond, whether in South Africa or internationally. It’s not just about academics but about becoming a well-rounded critical thinker and team player. Exposure to diverse cultures, teamwork, individuality and taking responsibility for my outcomes were invaluable lessons I carried with me.” Words of Wisdom To his younger self, Dylan would say: “Step out of your comfort zone sooner. Growth happens when you challenge yourself. Leaving home was tough, but the personal and professional growth was worth every stumble along the way.” Dylan’s story is a testament to courage, hard work and the power of embracing the unknown. From South Africa to the Netherlands, he is proving that the sky isn’t the limit, it is just the beginning.
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A Guide To Parent Teacher Meetings The new academic term has just started a few weeks ago, and families with school-going children are settling into their routines. However, as students transition back to the classroom, another important aspect of the school calendar looms, parent teacher meetings. While these meetings are integral to nurturing strong collaboration between families and schools, they can also bring a mix of emotions, from curiosity to unease, for parents. In South Africa, where over 12 million students attend public and private schools (Department of Basic Education, 2023), the importance of such interactions cannot be overstated. These sessions offer invaluable insights into a child’s academic progress, social development, and overall well-being. What Are Parent Teacher Meetings? Parent teacher meetings are structured conversations between parents and their child’s teachers, aimed at discussing the student’s academic performance, behaviour, and overall development. These meetings create an opportunity for open communication, ensuring that both parties can collaborate effectively to support the student’s educational journey. They are not just a platform for addressing concerns but also for celebrating achievements and setting shared goals. What Do They Entail at Crawford? At Crawford International, parent teacher meetings are designed to be more than just routine check-ins. They reflect our commitment to fostering strong partnerships with families. During these sessions, parents meet with teachers to gain a holistic view of their student’s progress, not only academically but also socially and emotionally. Teachers share personalised feedback, highlight areas of growth, and discuss strategies to address challenges. These meetings are tailored to align with our ethos of developing well-rounded students, emphasising collaboration to ensure every child reaches their potential. How Often Are They? Parent teacher meetings at Crawford typically occur once per term, although additional sessions may be scheduled based on specific needs or requests. Regularity ensures that parents stay informed about their child’s journey throughout the academic year. These consistent touchpoints help to build trust and maintain a steady flow of communication between parents and teachers. How Best Should Parents Prepare for Them? Preparation is key to making the most of parent teacher meetings. Here are a few practical tips: Review Reports and Notes – before the meeting, review any recent academic reports, test results, or communication from the school. This provides a foundation for meaningful discussions. Prepare Questions – jot down specific questions or concerns you want to address. For example, ask about areas where your child excels or struggles and how you can support them at home. Engage with Your Child – have a conversation with your child about their experiences at school. Understanding their perspective can provide valuable context for the meeting. Be Open-Minded – approach the meeting with a collaborative mindset. Remember, the goal is to work together with the teachers to support your child’s growth. Take Notes – during the meeting, take notes on key points discussed, including recommendations from teachers. This ensures you can follow through on agreed actions. Parent teacher meetings are more than a requirement; they are an investment in a child’s future. By approaching these sessions with preparation and a collaborative spirit, parents can play an active role in shaping their child’s educational journey. As families across South Africa embrace this vital part of the school experience, let’s work together to make each interaction meaningful and impactful.
