The back-to-school season brings with it much enthusiasm, somewhat like the ‘new year’.  At Star, we find it an important season for working on values with our students, as well as developing a sense of belonging and encouraging everyone to be a contributing community member.  These traits draw on our Global, Social and Emotional Pillars and together help to develop the ‘whole child’.

Our Terry Fox Run is one way we aim to contribute as a small part of something big.  School spirit and camaraderie are high during events like the Terry Fox Run. Students work together to raise funds with schools across Canada in the name of one of Canada’s most iconic figures.  This year’s ‘Be Like Terry’ slogan is focusing on the 21st Century Learning Skills that Terry portrayed: grit, perseverance, and resilience, to name a few.

Our Intermediate and Senior students also heard these messages last week while at We Day.  Not only did we see great performers and hear great music, we heard Peter Mansbridge speak to the significance of our ‘right’ to vote.  Ann Curry spoke about human rights issues while Kareem Abdul Jabbar addressed what it was like to speak out for his beliefs, (even when he knew it could hurt his career).  Finally, Margaret Trudeau spoke bravely about her own mental health challenges.  They were inspirational in their messages and empowering to our students, showing them the change they can effect.

Just around the corner next week will be another event where we ask Star Families to work with us to show our children how to ‘give back’.  Our Fall Food Drive will launch next Monday, October 1st as we head towards the Thanksgiving long weekend; a perfect time to reflect with gratitude how fortunate we are.

Julie and Heather