Known as “Zest” within the VIA classification of character strengths, enthusiasm is an approach to life which is also known as vitality. People who are enthusiastic do everything with excitement and energy.

This week we enthusiastically welcome Mr Bennetts to BHPS as our new principal!

Enthusiasm comes within the Engagement arm of our PERMA model – “I make the most of my learning

opportunities”.

Exhibiting enthusiasm could involve:

-Doing a physical activity of your choice, one that you don’t have to do and that you are not told to do.

-Actively participating by asking questions or listening closely

-Showing enthusiasm through smiles or excited comments

-Invigorating others around you

-Exercise is a great way to use the strength of enthusiasm

-Celebrate your next two accomplishments and victories and include others without doing this in a boastful way.

Enthusiasm is similar to Zest and in this clip, students explain the power of Zest!

Here is GrandMa Z to add some enthusiasm to her Grandson’s life!

An attitude of enthusiasm can help you with your learning.

If I ran the circus by Dr Seuss

E is for Enthusiasm!

How to find your enthusiasm

Open Mindedness comes within the Relationships arm of the BHPS PERMA. Being open minded means “I think carefully before making a decision. I can adapt my decisions when things change”.

Characteristics of Open-Minded Children

Being open-minded means understanding we are all different and embracing these differences. Other open-minded characteristics that students with this strength exhibit include:

• respecting and considering the perspectives and approaches  of others
• being eager to learn new things
• reflect on their own learning and the ideas of others
• reacting positively to constructive feedback
• acting with positivity, honesty and empathy
• listening attentively
• putting themselves in other people’s shoes
• willing to venture outside their comfort zone 
• asking questions to broaden their mind and understandings
• working towards positive relationships and collaborative experiences.

Key Benefits of Being Open-Minded

There are many benefits to teaching perspectives and helping your students to view their life with an open mind. Open-mindedness gives students the ability to:

• embrace different points of view
• listen to and consider the perspectives of others before making a decision
• understand new ideas and experiences broaden their mind and challenge their thinking
• understand mistakes or failure leads to a deeper understanding
• be eager to learn new things and build on existing knowledge, even if it challenges existing views
• be honest, understanding they don’t know everything and can admit it
• know the first answer is correct and will search for alternatives before settling on an answer
• be an effective team player and collaborator
• be fair and objective, building trust with others.
• handle constructive feedback, understanding they learn from their mistakes.

The above information has come from childrenslibrarylady.com

Here students from 45A in 2021 share thoughts on open mindedness – you will see some familiar current Grade 6 faces here!

They All Saw A Cat – A book about differing views and perspective

Going Places is a book about how an open mind can help someone to think in a different way in order to cross the finish line.

Some wisdom on being open minded.

At this time of the year at school “Leadership” is on the minds of some of us as we think about our goals for the remainder of the year and 2023.

People who are good leaders are able to organise their group and make sure that everyone feels included.

When thinking about Leadership, we can all bring to mind people who we know and admire who are great leaders. Some of these include our parents, family members, teachers, our Principal’s Ms Britnell and Mr Vella and public figures. Nelson Mandela is one who springs to mind for me as does Bachar Houli, the Richmond AFL player.

“The Lorax” is a great example of leadership. The main character is upstanding, inspiring and brave enough to do what’s right.

This is the original version of the book (25 mins)

Upstanders are also good leaders as they stand up for what they know to be right.

A big part of being a great leader comes within the MEANING part of our PERMA model – I belong to world bigger than my own. Which of the statements do you think apply to leadership?

What is a Leader?

Do you think that King Pig was a good leader?