THEME: ‘ RELATIONSHIP BUILDING ‘
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:
‘“If I know your story, I can understand your ways.” – Unknown
From Scripture
‘The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.’ – Proverbs 27:9
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” – Proverbs 17 v 17
A prayer
Heavenly Father, we ask that you will guide and help us to treat everyone with due respect and tolerance in all our relationships. Amen
MESSAGE
It is essential that whilst you are on your good man journey that you experience healthy, meaningful and mostly positive relationships with your family, your parents and siblings in particular, your peers and your teachers.
Often for that to happen, we need to be tolerant of other’s differences whatever they may be and respect their views and opinions. Not always an easy thing to do.
I would ask that you consider the following pointers whilst you focus on building good healthy relationships, especially with your peers:
Effective Communication:
- Active listening: Pay attention to what the other person is saying, both verbally and non-verbally [watch body language ]
- Clear expression: Share your thoughts, feelings, and opinions in a respectful and clear manner.
- Ask open-ended questions: Encourage meaningful conversations by asking questions that can’t be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.”
Trust and Loyalty:
- Be reliable: Show up when you say you will, and follow through on your commitments.
- Keep confidences: Respect your friends’ trust by keeping their secrets and not gossiping.
- Stand up for each other: Support your friends when they’re being bullied or treated unfairly.
Emotional Intelligence:
- Recognize and manage emotions: Understand and control your own emotions to avoid conflicts and hurt feelings.
- Empathize with others: ‘Put yourself in your friends’ shoes’ and try to understand their perspectives and feelings.
- Apologize when necessary: Take responsibility for your actions and apologize when you’ve hurt or wronged someone.
Conflict Resolution:
- Stay calm: Keep your cool when disagreements arise to avoid escalating the situation.
- Use “I” statements: Express your feelings and thoughts using “I” statements instead of “you” statements, which can come across as critical.
- Seek common ground: Look for areas of agreement and try to find a mutually beneficial solution – a win-win ideally.
Respect and Inclusion
- Treat others with respect: Value and appreciate your friends’ differences and individuality.
- Include others: Make an effort to involve everyone in conversations and activities.
- Avoid cliques and exclusivity: Don’t create or participate in exclusive groups that make others feel left out or inferior.
Accountability
- Take responsibility: Own up to your mistakes and apologize when necessary.
- Hold others accountable: Encourage your friends to take responsibility for their actions and to treat others with respect.
- Support positive behaviour: Reinforce and celebrate positive behaviour, such as kindness, empathy, and responsibility.
By following these guidelines, you can build strong, healthy relationships with your peers that are based on mutual respect, trust, and effective communication.
SPORT
Well done to all the teams on some very good efforts against Michaelhouse. Also well done to our athletes on their very good results at both the aQuelle and ASA league events over the weekend. Full sporting results are here.
Pro Aris et Focis
Dr CJ Luman
HEADMASTER