The Patriot Report – February 7, 2020

Talent + Effort = Skill

Skill + Effort = Achievement

The above formula comes from Angela Duckworth’s recent book, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. Duckworth is psychologist dedicated to helping children succeed. Her book examines the role grit plays in those who are the most successful in their respective fields. As I was listening to the audiobook, I was struck by her formula for achievement and success. As parents and educators, I think her formula brings clarity to how we can support our children. In examining the simple formula you will notice that effort shows up twice. That signifies to all of us the value of hard work. However, we must remember that talent also plays a role in achievement. The quote from the film Million Dollar Baby, “Some people say the most important thing a fighter can have is heart. Show me a fighter who was nothing but heart and I’ll show you a man waiting for a beating” best illustrates that effort and heart is only part of the equation. We must remember to support our children’s strengths and talents, always encouraging them to pursue their passions. Without passion, the challenge to persevere and work hard becomes much more difficult. I encourage you to read Angela Duckworth’s book or listen to it as I do while I commute to work.

Please read the following update from the BC Ministry of Education with respect to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. 

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0023-000222

I have provided an excerpt below:

“We are working closely with public health officials across Canada. Our focus is on people in British Columbia. Given the changing dynamics of the outbreak in China and globally, and recognizing we are in the midst of influenza season, we ask anyone here in B.C. who has been in Hubei province to consider staying home and keeping their children home until 14 days have passed from their last visit to Hubei. Monitor yourself and your children closely for symptoms, and if any symptoms arise, connect with your primary care provider, local public health office or call 811. This is an important way to reduce the possibility of transmission of illness to others.

“We want to reassure people that the risk of this virus spreading within British Columbia remains low at this time. We are watching the evolution of the outbreak in China very closely and will notify the public if the measures we need to take in B.C. change.

“The most important measures to prevent all respiratory illnesses including this novel coronavirus remain cleaning your hands regularly, avoiding touching your face, coughing or sneezing into your elbow sleeve, disposing of tissues appropriately and staying home and away from others if you become sick.”

If your child is away or sick on a Hot Lunch day, you must provide instruction to the office as to what you would like to see happen with the lunch. If we receive no communication, the lunch will be considered donated. We will not store lunches overnight. 

Thank you

The Gr. 6 Boys Basketball ran into a tough matchup in their semi-final match against the host school, St. George’s. At time of publication, the boys will be competing for 3rd place. The boys will look to improve and showcase their skills in next week’s St. Patrick’s tournament. 

The Gr. 7 Girls Basketball team played in a thrilling double overtime game against OLS. The team showed grit and composure as they battled a physically aggressive team. In the end, our girls came out victorious with a game winning shot by Emily! The girls have secured first place in their division and are now preparing for CISVA Playoffs.