REDDAM EARLY LEARNING SCHOOL WOOLLAHRA NEWSLETTER
Dee’s Message
25 November 2022
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Undoubtedly some of the most heartwarming moments in the ELS are when we see the children showing kindness and compassion towards each other, especially when this is done spontaneously and without prompting from one of the teachers. As the children become more and more aware of the feelings of others, and as they realise the impact of a warm gesture or kind word, so they grow in their ability to reach out to others. As parents and teachers, we all hope that our children will grow up to become gentle, kind and caring. Because, as we all know only too well, showing kindness and compassion benefits not only the receiver but the giver too. As the Dalai Lama wisely pointed out, “If you want others to be happy, practise compassion. If you want to be happy, practise compassion.”
do what we can to avoid suffering, and we certainly do all in our power to help our children avoid it too, the reality is that we all face challenges, painful moments and difficulties in our lives. For that reason, we value those who are willing to come alongside us, to help us, to show compassion. The teachers often speak to the children about their emotions and help them to understand that we all experience a variety of emotions. The older children in the ELS also learn how to name these emotions, in order to show them how to deal with the difficult feelings that might arise from time to time. By understanding how all people experience a range of emotions, they are better able not only to deal with their own but also to help others who might be struggling – to show them compassion.
The word compassion has its roots in Latin, meaning “to suffer with”. While we all try to REDDAM EARLY LEARNING SCHOOL | WOOLLAHRA NEWSLETTER
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