It is hard to believe this school year is quickly coming to a close! I am sure students and families alike are looking forward to a slightly less busy schedule and of course….no nightly homework! As older students finish the semester with a plethora of finals, I saw this great post about a letter written reportedly by a principal in Singapore. Please read below and see what you think.
Dear Parents,
The exams of your children are to start soon. I know you are all really anxious for your child to do well.
But, please do remember, amongst the students who will be sitting for the exams there is an artist, who doesn’t need to understand Math….There is an entrepreneur, who doesn’t care about History or English literature…There is a musician, whose Chemistry marks won’t matter…There’s an athlete…whose physical fitness is more important than Physics…If your child does get top marks, that’s great! But if he or she doesn’t…please don’t take away their self-confidence and dignity from them. Tell them it is okay, it’s just an exam. They are cut out for much bigger things in life. Tell them, no matter what they score…you love them and will not judge them.
Please do this, and when you do…watch your children conquer the world. One exam or a low mark won’t take away…their dreams and talent. And please, do not think that doctors and engineers…are the only happy people in the world.
Sure, we all hope every student will do well. I used to try super good brain food for my gang for breakfast! But the reality is there will be ups and downs and as long as their effort is strong that is what is crucial. For it is that type of persistence and hard work demonstrated that will help every student succeed with whatever journey they eventually take. A path that hopefully equates with happiness.
I hope everyone has a wonderful, relaxing summer with lots of good books and time outside!(to help us forget this winter and spring on the East coast – brutal!) Principal’s Notebook will return with the start of the new school year! Thank you for your support.
Cheers,
Laine