The Golden Rule
Treat others as you would like to be treated is an often used ‘golden rule’ in schools, including St Andrew’s. It is a pretty good rule for life too; say unkind things about other people and they are likely to say unkind things about you. But, be polite and courteous and you can expect a warm and respectful response. Humans are like mirrors!
And yet, the ‘golden rule’ doesn’t always work quite so simply because not everyone wants to be treated in the same way. This is when we need our emotional intelligence to work out whether the other person really does want to be treated like us or not. Teachers often have to deal with children who are upset because of something that someone else has said – an unkind remark or a bit of teasing perhaps. And when the voice of those remarks is questioned, so often the response is, ‘It was only a joke. Only a bit of banter.’
The offender is missing the point. He has failed to take into account how his words have affected the other person. He has failed to respect the other person’s differences. This is a complex concept for children. Undoubtedly, many will have friends with whom they can joke and even share ‘banter’ – which is fine – but that does not mean everyone shares the humour in the same way. A quip which amuses one person might upset and offend another and words can stay with us for a long time.
So the message this week, particularly for the older ones, has been simple. Abide by the tenet, ‘Treat others as you would like to be treated’ but begin to apply it with common sense and respect how others are different.
A reminder that we have a ‘Name the Wellbeing Hub’ competition running for which the winner will receive a £20 book token. Among other things, the hub will be a time-out haven, the new home of the listening service and a venue for social and emotional development work. The deadline for entries is next Friday.
On the first weekend of half-term the St Andrew’s equestrian team of Dakota Kane, Freya Walton and Darcie Walton competed in the NSEA riding competition finishing team 2nd and team 3rd in their classes, enabling them to qualify for the south east championships. A fantastic effort.
Well done too to Mark McKie who has been selected for the Sussex Swimming Pathway 2020. We are aware that a number of cricketers have been selected for the Sussex Cricket Pathway too but with different pupils at different stages of the process, we are aiming to collate a full list before announcing.
It is not so much hats off but hats on for St Andrew’s Day. Further to my letter earlier in the week, and for the uninitiated, the hat parade is a long-standing tradition in the school’s celebrations and although it has been the curse of many a parent down the years, it is also memorable and very much worth the effort. I am sure we will see some wonderful creations this year.
One of the great downsides of this current situation is the restriction on music and live performance. Remembrance Day is one of the most important services in our calendar when we reflect upon and remember the sacrifices made by those who have gone before us. Although it cannot be live this year, we have created a memorable service which you can watch here: Remembrance Day Service from 8.45am on Wednesday.
And finally… owning a string of sausages is not normally something to shout about, but now that our new puppy, a second miniature dachshund named Ottilie, has arrived home then I can make that claim. Watching Dexter’s bewilderment turn to jealousy and then love and affection has been a great study in canine behaviour. And I am sure it is no different with humans.
Have a great weekend everyone!