Sunny skies and warmer weather ahead! I love the newness of spring. I find this time of year so motivating. What are your goals for the month ahead?
Our school’s theme for April has been RESPECT. As we know, respect is the R in REACH. What does respect look like at home, at school, and out in the world? How do we show respect to others and ourselves?
The respect lesson I created for high school students this month involved discussing some prompts with their peers. I encourage you to discuss these same prompts together as a family. This could make some great dinner conversation! (You may need to adjust the language with younger children.)
- Does someone need to earn your respect? If so, how?
- Does someone get your respect by showing respect to you first? Or does someone get your respect just for being human?
- If someone has lost your respect, can they get it back? How?
- “If someone shows you respect, you should show respect in return.” Do you agree? How do you feel if you treat someone with respect, and that person responds with rudeness? If someone insults you, should you insult that person in return?
- “You don’t have to respect everyone; you simply have to treat people with respect.” What’s the difference? Do you agree with this point of view? Explain.
- Do you think that people in our society are respectful enough of each other? Explain.
- How do you show respect to yourself? Does this involve setting boundaries and learning how to say no? Are the things you say to yourself respectful and kind?
- Have you ever felt disrespected by an adult? How did that feel? How did you respond?
- Does someone get your respect because of their intelligence? Do you give someone respect because they are smart?
- Is it about people being a certain age? Do you choose to respect someone because they’re older versus younger?
- What does respect have to do with the quality of your character?
Complete the Sentences
- My teacher respects me when they…
- I respect my teacher by…
- My peers respect me when…
- I show respect to my peers by…
- My parents show respect when they…
- I respect my parents by…
(Taken from The Responsive Counselor: Respect Lesson and Activities)
Wellness at Calgary Academy: Growing From the Inside Out
Grades K–9
At Calgary Academy, our approach to wellness is evolving through the continued integration of the MindUP program. While students continue to develop key social-emotional learning (SEL) competencies—such as self-awareness, self-management, and relationship skills—the focus is expanding beyond the self. This next phase encourages students to reflect on their sense of purpose and how they can contribute meaningfully to the world around them. The “Circle of Wellness” guides this journey through three interconnected rings: the self (at the centre), the classroom and school community, and the greater community.
By recognizing how their inner growth influences their actions in broader contexts, students are empowered to show up as their best selves. This is reflected in school-wide initiatives, cross-grade collaborations, acts of kindness, and community-focused projects—fostering a culture of empathy, purpose, and citizenship.
If you have questions about wellness programming in Grades K–9, please reach out to Dylan Dean.
Grades 10–12
This month, students in Grades 10–12 have been discussing the topic of Respect. I hope you enjoy working through the same lessons they did!
If you have questions about wellness programming in Grades 10–12, please contact me.
Counselling Services and Wraparound Support
We continue to have a counsellor supporting the needs of our learners in K–8. If you want to have your child connect with her, please reach out to Jenny Duffield.
I am here to support the needs of our Grades 9–12 students. If you want your child to connect with me, please reach out to my email.
Lastly, if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s learning journey, you can also reach out to our Director of Learning, Erin Ellis.
Serena Braun
Registered Psychologist