Dear WIS Community,
This morning, WIS Primary came together for our usual Friday assembly. Witnessing students take the stage to share stories, ideas, and songs, extending warm welcomes and farewells to new students and teachers, made me a happy Principal, glad to be back at school! It reminded me that this student-centric element of our assemblies not only makes children feel valued and integral to our community but also connects them to something greater—the mission of the International Baccalaureate (IB).
At the core of the IB's philosophy is the Learner Profile, and this month, we delve into the attribute of Open-Mindedness. The Learner Profile attributes serve as the compass for the IB's mission of nurturing internationally-minded individuals, and here at WIS, open-mindedness is a virtue we hold in high esteem.
Understanding Open-Mindedness
Being open-minded goes beyond accepting diverse perspectives; it involves actively seeking to understand, appreciate, and learn from different cultures, opinions, experiences and ourselves. In our interconnected world, open-mindedness is a crucial trait for fostering tolerance, empathy, and cooperation and above all pursuit of new knowledge and learning.
Importance in Learning and Community
In schools, open-mindedness is a key driver of intellectual curiosity and academic success. It enables students to embrace new ideas, challenge assumptions, and engage in critical thinking. Beyond the classroom, in a community that values diversity, open-mindedness fosters inclusivity, harmony, and a sense of belonging.
Embracing New Horizons
Consider this: by being open-minded, we open doors to new horizons. Just as a closed door limits our view, a closed mind restricts our understanding. Embracing open-mindedness allows us to explore uncharted territories of knowledge, gain fresh perspectives, and cultivate a richer understanding of the world.
Fostering Open-Mindedness at Home
Parents play a crucial role in nurturing open-mindedness in their children. Here are four simple yet impactful ways you can encourage this attribute at home:
Read Diverse Books: Explore literature from various cultures and backgrounds. Reading stories that depict different traditions and perspectives helps broaden your child's worldview.
Family Discussions: Create a safe space for open discussions at home. Encourage your child to share their thoughts, ask questions, and listen actively to different viewpoints.
Everything is an opportunity to learn: Encourage your child to question their fears and uncertainties. For instance, if a child expresses fear of spiders, engage in a discussion about how these creatures are beneficial for our ecosystem by consuming other insects. By framing these discussions as valuable learning experiences, parents can instil a sense of curiosity and open-mindedness in their children, cultivating a mindset that embraces understanding and appreciation for the world around them.
Climb that mountain! Being open-minded also encompasses our beliefs about ourselves and our abilities. As depicted in the picture in this post, we often remember the challenging feats we've accomplished, the metaphorical mountains we've climbed. An open mind plays a crucial role in recognizing and appreciating our growth and potential. Parents can empower their children by fostering a belief in themselves and their capabilities. Encourage a mindset that embraces challenges as opportunities for learning and growth, self-confidence and resilience. With the right mindset, they can overcome obstacles and achieve anything they set their minds to!
By instilling open-mindedness in our children, we equip them with a valuable tool for navigating an ever-changing world.
Wishing you a fantastic start to the new year filled with curiosity, understanding, and open-minded exploration!
Warm regards,
Marcelle van Leenen
Primary School Principal
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