1. TOTW

2.  The School Council has made a different in many ways over the years. This week we will be celebrating another one of the fantastic differences that they have made. They have introduced water bottles for all students. Congratulations and thank you.  They knew how important this was because research shows that even mild dehydration can influence mood, energy levels and the ability to think clearly. So, drinking water regularly can help you concentrate better in lessons and therefore improve how well you do in school.  It is important that it is only water (not fizzy drinks) and it is important that you keep drinking regularly even when you don’t feel thirsty.  An easy and healthy way to help to improve your grades!

3. “Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work. One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up. As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean. He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?" The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean." "I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man. To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die." Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!" At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "It made a difference for that one.” Discuss the story as a class How could you make a small difference to people’s lives in school? Share your ideas.

4. “It's the action, not the fruit of the action, that's important. You have to do the right thing. It may not be in your power, may not be in your time, that there'll be any fruit. But that doesn't mean you stop doing the right thing. You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result.” ― Mahatma Gandhi Can small actions really make a difference or are they pointless? With the help of your TFL discuss some things that you would like to change in school that you think could make a difference Come up with one and pass it onto your Head of House to feedback to the Student Voice

5. Do more than belong: participate. Do more than care: help. Do more than believe: practice. Do more than be fair: be kind. Do more than forgive: forget. Do more than dream: work. Discuss this quote with your class What does each line mean? What people in history have made the biggest impact on the world?? Do you all agree? How would you define “Making a Difference”?

6. “Never forget that you are one of a kind. Never forget that if there weren't any need for you in all your uniqueness to be on this earth, you wouldn't be here in the first place. And never forget, no matter how overwhelming life's challenges and problems seem to be, that one person can make a difference in the world. In fact, it is always because of one person that all the changes that matter in the world come about. So be that one person. ” Discuss this quote as a class with the support of your TFL How does it make you feel?