Positive Relationships

This term in PERMA, we have been focusing on Positive Relationships. Professor Roy Baumeister argues that the key dimension in understanding the human mind is that it is social; it is designed to work with others. According to Professor Baumeister, almost all of human progress reflects this pattern of working together. A single mind working alone cannot get very far. All the great achievements of human culture and progress such as computers were the result of many different people learning from each other and building on the achievements of others.

Pacific teachers spend a significant amount of time developing relationships with students. This connection is developed in academic work, pastoral care, music, drama, sport and the many other co-curricular activities. The importance of positively connecting with others is reflected on with students in Chapels, Assemblies, Christian Studies and Personal Development classes.

Therefore, the role of positive relationships in helping individuals to flourish cannot be overstated. “Feeling connected to other people is a deeply embedded human need” (Baumeister and Leary, 1995). Last week, we saw a wonderful demonstration of positive relationships here at Pacific. Parents, students, teachers and support staff joined together to make OCEANfest Carnivale a great success.

Mr Brendan Delaney, Director of Students