Mrs N’s Notes ~ 25th January
It’s very easy when writing a blog to focus on all the good stuff going on in our wee school. (And don’t get me wrong, there is LOADS of fabulous news to share each week: Kilbowie preparations, Burns celebrations, new after-school learning opportunities…) However, it is worth remembering that, as in any family, we have regular fall-outs, misunderstandings and disagreements. There are times when we can all feel disappointed and disheartened because things aren’t going the way we planned. This week I had the privilege of helping some learners STOP, THINK about what has gone wrong, then make a PLAN to move forward and improve the situation.
This display has had a prominent position in our school for the past few months. As you enter our dinner hall you can’t help but see it, but I sometimes wonder who actually READS it! Has it become like wallpaper that we see, but really don’t notice? We welcome mistakes in Kirkshaws…yes, you did read that correctly! We see mistakes as the most valuable learning opportunity.
Mistakes are EXPECTED. If you never make a mistake, you are not venturing outwith your comfort zone. If you always get everything correct, we are not challenging you to achieve your full potential. We are not all perfect; we will not get it right every time. Mistakes can happen in a Maths jotter, but also in a friendship or on the sports field. Recognising and admitting your mistake is the first step. Don’t be surprised or devastated if you make a mistake – your teachers are expecting it.
Mistakes are RESPECTED. All we ask is that you try your best. No one can ask for more than that. We all have different talents and skills. Stick in, give it all you’ve got and you can be proud of the results, regardless of a score on a piece of paper or the number of goals scored on the pitch.
Mistakes are INSPECTED. Now this is an important stage. If you got it wrong this week, there is no point doing the same thing next time. In Kirkshaws there is always someone willing to talk it through with you. Perhaps things went wrong at playtime this week, well let’s talk about it. What went wrong? What do we need to change next time to make sure you are happy?
Mistakes are CORRECTED. Well, that’s surely what school is all about. But this is so much more than a teacher marking your page with a cross or a tick. In Kirkshaws we are expecting you to correct your errors. With a little help you can move on, take your learning to the next level and face new challenges. By talking it through, we can mend relationships and come out stronger at the end.
It is never too late to turn things around; make small changes to get things back on track. No one says it will be easy, but if you are a member of the Kirkshaws family, you never need to do it alone.
