~ learning to care and to lead Let Your Light Shine ~ learning to care and to lead for today and tomorrow

Once upon a time, in a farm near a lake, a duck had laid some eggs.

Among the eggs, there was one which looked very different, but mother duck had not realised that.

When the eggs opened, one of the ducklings looked clumsy and ugly.

His brothers didn’t like him; his mother often left him alone and didn’t take care of him. None of the other farmyard animals would play with him…

One day, the little duckling decided to leave the farm and look for somewhere else to live away from the people who had been horrible to him.

Winter came and the poor little thing felt cold, sad and hungry.

While he was crying and sobbing under a tree, he saw a beautiful white swan and other little swans, which looked exactly like him, swimming on the lake.

He hurried, dived into the water and reached the other birds that welcomed him happily.

What things could we do in our classrooms and on the playground this week to help us remember this story and help everyone who feels like the ugly duckling?

Have you ever felt like the ugly duckling Have you ever felt like the ugly duckling? How could you be like the helpful swans?

Think about our Seven Qualities... Which qualities could we use to help others? Tell me...

I have a ‘Can Do’ attitude. I choose my actions, attitudes and moods. Quality 1: Be proactive I have a ‘Can Do’ attitude. I choose my actions, attitudes and moods. I don’t blame others. I do the right thing without being asked, even if nobody is looking.

Quality 2: Begin with the End in Mind I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am an important part of my classroom. I look for ways to be a good citizen.

Quality 3: Put First Things First I spend my time on things that are most important. I say no to things I should not do. I set priorities, make an agenda and follow my plan. I am organised.

Quality 4: Think Win-Win I want everyone to be a success. I don’t have to put others down to get what I want. It makes me happy to see other people happy. I like to do nice things for others. When a conflict arrives, I help brainstorm a solution. We can ALL win!

Quality 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their viewpoints. I listen to others without interrupting. I am confident in voicing my ideas.

Quality 6: Synergise I value other people’s strengths and learn from them. I get along well with others, even people who are different from me. I work well in groups. I seek out other people’s ideas to solve problems. I know that ‘two heads are better than one’. I am a better person when I let other people into my life and work.

Quality 7: Mind, Body, Spirit I take care of my body by eating right, exercising, and getting sleep. I spend time with family and friends. I learn in lots of ways and lots of places. (It’s all about YOU!)

Have you ever met a helpful swan? Have you ever been a helpful swan? ALL OF THEM! If someone asked you if you were hurt or bullied in school, what would you say? Have you ever met a helpful swan? Have you ever been a helpful swan?

The Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done On Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread And forgive us our trespasses As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation But deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory. For ever and ever. Amen

~ learning to care and to lead Let Your Light Shine ~ learning to care and to lead for today and tomorrow