Resilience Building: embracing courage, inside and out of the classroom
Resilience Building: embracing courage, inside and out of the classroom
At the heart of the pursuit of knowledge lies the essence of courage—a force that propels individuals to venture beyond the familiar, confront uncertainty, and challenge the status quo. In the classroom, students at PLC are not just passive recipients of learning content; they are active participants in their learning journey, where courage opens new possibilities.
When students use the value and strength of courage to step into the unknown, they embrace opportunities to explore new possibilities and become innovative and creative and learn new things about life and about themselves. It is this courage that emboldens them to question established norms, to challenge beliefs, and to seek out new perspectives. In doing so, they not only expand their own intellectual horizons but also contribute to the collective growth and learning of others.
The Resilience Project
This term, across Year 6-8, students have commenced The Resilience Project during Personal Development lessons. The Resilience Project, endorsed by Melbourne University focuses on three key pillars that have been proven to cultivate positive emotions i.e., Courage; Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness (GEM), with Emotional Literacy being a foundational skill to practice these strategies when faced with personal struggles, learning challenges, friendship fires and relationship conflict with the aim of flourishing in pursuit of academic and personal goals.
By practicing gratitude, students develop the skills to appreciate the opportunities for learning and growth that come their way, even in the face of challenges and setbacks. By cultivating empathy, they develop a deeper understanding of themselves and others, fostering a sense of connection and belonging that sustains them through difficult times. And by embracing mindfulness, they cultivate the self-awareness and presence of mind needed to navigate the ups and downs of academic life with grace and resilience.
The Resilience Project offers students a roadmap for integrating courage into their daily lives, empowering them to approach their studies with confidence, curiosity, and compassion. By embracing the principles of gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness, students can unlock their full potential as learners, enriching not only their own lives but also the lives of those around them and become a crucible for the cultivation of courage—a space where students learn to confront their fears, lean into uncertainty, and embrace the discomfort of intellectual growth. By asking difficult questions, engaging in critical and creative thinking, students not only hone their cognitive abilities but also develop the resilience and fortitude necessary to navigate the complexities of today’s many challenges.
By practicing gratitude, students learn to appreciate the opportunities for learning and growth that come their way, even in 
the face of challenges and setbacks. By cultivating empathy, they develop a deeper understanding of themselves and others, fostering a sense of connection and belonging that sustains them through difficult times. Again by embracing mindfulness, they cultivate the self-awareness and presence of mind needed to navigate the ups and downs of academic life with grace and resilience.
The Resilience Project that forms under the umbrella of Personal Development at PLC, offers students a roadmap for integrating courage into their daily lives, empowering them to approach their learning with wonder, curiosity, and discernment. By embracing the principles of gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness, students can unlock their full potential as learners and leaders, enriching not only their own lives but also the lives of those around them.
Ms Leigh Finter, Director of Students