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Building Young Men of Good Character

As always, the first three weeks of the school year have gone by in a flash. Amongst the coping with a new timetable, learning to learn with new teachers and catching up with mates, three of our year group cohorts have had a specific opportunity to focus on their development as young men of Strong Character and Vibrant Spirit. These included the Year 12 Retreat, Year 11 Leadership day and Year 7 camp which were all held during Week 3. The staff who organised and attended these put in many hours of additional work to ensure that the students had many opportunities to experience the positive emotions and sense of meaning and accomplishment that comes with participation in events such as these.

The VIA (Values in Action) character strengths are a classification of 24 universal character traits that are valued across cultures and are considered fundamental to human flourishing. These character strengths include traits such as creativity, kindness, bravery, love of learning, and forgiveness, among others. The VIA classification of character strengths is based on positive psychology and is linked to the PERMA+H theory of wellbeing, which suggests that individuals who possess a balance of positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishment, and good physical and mental health are more likely to experience a higher level of wellbeing. By recognising and developing our VIA character strengths, we can improve our overall wellbeing and lead a more fulfilling life.

The Year 12 students on retreat were asked to consider these in light of the Year 7 and 12 Buddy Program which will have its first official session in Week 5. Year 11 completed surveys on these which will help them identify natural strengths and areas for development as they begin their final years of high school study. Year 7s were encouraged to show these character strengths as they challenged themselves with the activities and events of Year 7 Camp.

Opportunities to step away from the day-to-day work of school and reflect on our place in the world and develop strong bonds with our cohorts do not happen all that often. Whenever we give the students the opportunities such as these always see long lasting benefits as we work with our boys to build young men of Vibrant Spirit and Strong Character.

Anna Blore – Head of O’Brien House