Dear Parents,
According to the dictionary, success is defined as “the accomplishment of an aim or purpose” or a person or thing that achieves desired aims or attains prosperity. While there any many definitions of success and a focus on the later as a society that prioritizes prosperity, it is important to recognize that success in our schools should take on a vastly different approach.
More often than not, the rhetoric around schools is that student success revolves around the letter or number grade that one receives. We think of a successful student as one who is subservient and achieves straight A’s. While there is certainly nothing wrong with achieving good grades (we definitely encourage it!), it is easy to lose sight that true success is about much more.
In a recent article by George Couros, he poses the question: “Is the success of the school more about what the adults deem as “success” and a measure of their work as opposed to what the students do, create, and act?” It is important that we recognize that what students accomplish (created product) and how (character developed) they did it is arguably of greater significance than an arbitrary grade that they received in comparison to their peers.
Paul reminds us is in Colossians 3:23-24 that “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” He goes on to say in Titus 3:7 to “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity.”
This coincides well with the way that we have chosen to recognize success in our school over the next few days. After challenging our students to “Do Something”, we want to showcase the “good works” that they have done for God’s glory. As you will be able to attest, our students have found ways to positively impact the world around them and will share with you how they have chosen to do this over the school year.
We look forward to welcoming you in our building to celebrate the success that God has brought to our students at Trinity!
Sincerely,
J-D Lussier, Principal
