Here I will be able to share with you the THRIVE journey that we are on as a whole school. Our most recent THRIVE target was for each class to develop their own secret handshake that reflected the values that they see as most important within each other.
Willow Class: Kindness, Sharing and A Good Friend.
Oak Class: Respectful, Friendly and Kindness.
Rowan Class: Kindness, Respectful and Friendship.
Beech Class: Respectful, Kindness and Helpful.
Maple Class: Kindness, Courageousness and Positivity
On Friday 17th January, we had a visit from Miss Kristy Northway from Chapel Haddlesey School, Miss Northway is the federations THRIVE Practitioner and works alongside myself, as Hensall's THRIVE practitioner. Miss Northway and I visited each classroom and gave every child two labels asking them to write something positive about someone and give it to them. It was heart-warming to see the empathy the children showed to each other and the kindness of the words they had written. We had various positive compliments such as brave, kind, smart, funny, caring, thoughtful and persistent. We were so proud to see how each class consistently used the word ‘kind’ to describe each other. The teachers were also privileged to receive compliments from their fellow staff members as well as the children.
The positivity continued throughout the day as we all kept our labels on until home time. From the labels, we were able to identify the key qualities that children had by picking the most recurring one within the room. The children were then asked to think of handshakes that would represent their chosen key quality to make up their classroom handshake. This handshake is used at various points within the school day in each class to enable the children to have a two-minute reminder of the nice words that were given to them on that day but also used as a way to greet each other, strengthening their friendships in class. It is also being used without prompting by the children as they pass each other in corridors and on the playground. The children are also enjoying sharing their handshake with members of staff. I am sure they would like to show you their class’ handshake, so please do ask them about it.
Together we THRIVE! I look forward to sharing with you our next update about THRIVE!
