SMART Goals
As we started the new year and embraced the first term of 2022, we thought it was important for the Year 6 students to think about what they wanted to achieve during the term and set S.M.A.R.T goals for themselves for their core subjects.
During this week’s core lessons, we discussed the importance of setting goals and how the setting of goals can help us with responsibility as well as fostering a positive “can do” attitude which increases self-esteem. We moved on to discuss potential goals within each subject and asked the students what they wish to achieve, or what they would like to overcome to make them feel proud. Students shared their ideas of potential goals.
Once our students chose their goals for the term, we discussed how to set S.M.A.R.T goals, track their goals and set themselves up for success.
The acronym for SMART GOALS stands for:
S– Is the goal specific? What would you like to accomplish? The more specific the goal, the more focused you can be in reaching that goal.
M– Is the goal measurable? How will you know you have reached your goal? It is important to be clear about what you are working towards.
A– Is the goal achievable? Is it challenging, but not impossible? Taking it one small step at a time can help ensure success.
R – Is the goal relevant? Does thinking about reaching the goal inspire excitement? Being passionate about what you are working towards is a key to success.
T– Is the goal timely? Do you have a deadline by which you want to reach your goal? Setting an end date can help jump start motivation to begin working towards your goal.
We look forward to motivating and encouraging our students to reach their goals and reflect on it at the end of the term. At home, you can think about setting S.M.A.R.T goals with your children. Visit the website: https://madeinapinch.com/smart-goals-examples/ to learn more about setting these goals at home.
Katherine Nel
Key Stage 2 Coordinator and Year 6 Teacher
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Turning Challenges into Successes
We have conquered!
This term started off with a lot of uncertainty and unfamiliar ground. Although the challenges were many, the successes were more!
The Year 5 students are feeling amazing and they should. They have tackled challenges unknown to them and educated themselves beyond what any curriculum could teach. They have shown responsibility and maturity as each and every student took control of their learning and applied themselves to every task at hand.
Here’s how Year 5NM turned a challenge into a success with just positive thinking:
“I like online learning because I can work at my own pace, and I can spend more time with my family.” Kourtney Jones
“Ten weeks into it and online learning is going very well. My best part of it has to be working while sitting next to a crackling fire, sipping hot chocolate and keeping warm and toasty during the cold weather” Sanam Srikewal
“My favorite thing about online learning is that I can stay in my Pajamas all day and learn in the comfort of my own home.” Joshua Greyling
“The best part about online learning is that I can concentrate without any distractions” Tshiamo Ngcizela
“The best part about online learning is that I can have snacks in the middle of a lesson and I can spend the whole day in my pajamas.” Isabella Lockhart
“The best part of online learning for me is that I can work at my own pace and stay in my pajamas. I can also snack and take breaks whenever I want to.” Cole Dreyer
“I have found the best part of online learning is I have a friend who is helping me with my work. I enjoy working with him.”
“I enjoy seeing my friends on the calls and I enjoy doing challenging work because I can learn from the challenge!!!!” Jenna Eberlein
We have turned challenges into successes and we keep it moving! Positive thinking is our goal. Well done, Year 5NM!
Nadia Mahomed
Year 5 Teacher
From The Principal’s Desk – 30th May 2019
Dear Parents
For the past two weeks our students have been writing examinations and we recognize that a number of students battle with anxiety during this stressful period. I may not be a medical professional, nor any of my teachers, but we have learnt to recognize the signs of examination anxiety. Whether it be a sudden onset of tummy cramps, angry outbursts or just a general sad countenance, it is clear to us when a student is not coping with the pressure of the examination period.
I admit, I am also guilty of turning up the pressure as examinations approach. Cellphones are banned (causing many dark mutterings amongst the older siblings) and speeches of “you need to succeed” ring through the house. I have come to realize, however, that I am fueling my children’s anxiety due to my own fears. University is not always the right path for every child and a university degree isn’t necessarily a measure of success. Every child is an individual, who excels in his or her own manner. Some of the most successful people in our society did not graduate from university. Take Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates or Richard Branson for instance; their success was due to determination, creative thinking and self-belief. Not every venture that these great men undertook was successful, but they used their failures as an opportunity for growth and development.
We have a responsibility towards our children to support them in their endeavors and to manage, teach and guide them throughout their lives.
A reminder about the PA fundraiser next week with Stuart Lightbody. Child-minding services will be available at school.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Regards
Edna