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 People

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 Grades 4&5 in 2021 share their thoughts on open mindedness

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 2025.

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 school leaders 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?

It’s always a good time to practice gratitude. Gratitude for your teachers, your parents, those who have helped you throughout the year. You can also be thankful for where you live (places don’t come more beautiful than Barwon Heads), for our school, your friends just to name a few.

Practicing gratitude is one of the simplest tools that you can use to improve how you are feeling.

Research has shown that the positive side effects of using gratitude include physical benefits such as better sleep and psychological benefits including less anxiety and increased happiness and resilience.  Social benefits include; fewer feelings of loneliness and isolation, increased forgiveness and greater helpfulness and generosity.

When thinking about the things that we are grateful for, the benefits will be greater if you don’t think about the “things” you have, such as toys but rather, look for kindness from others, or a kind deed that you have seen or been involved in.

Sone of the ways in which you can practice gratitude is to write a thank you letter to your teacher family members or someone else who has supported you during the year. Saying thank you can benefit the wellbeing of you and the recipient of the gratitude.

Another way of practicing gratitude is to be a gratitude detective by watching for kind and caring behaviour from other people.

How about boosting your wellbeing by setting yourself a challenge to show gratitude in some way every day?

Short Film about Gratitude

Gratitude is my Superpower

My Attitude of Gratitude

The Science of Gratitude

Did I Ever Tell You How Happy You Are? Dr Seuss

The Gratitude Tree Guided Meditation

The Gratitude Experiment

What are you grateful for?