October 2, 2026 - Elementary School Principal Blog
Mr Geoff Heney
Dear Parents,
For me, this is a special time back home in Canada as it is approaching our Thanksgiving Holiday (the 2nd Monday of October).
Although I try to practice gratitude and being thankful every day, October is always a month that makes me reflect a little deeper on all that I have to be grateful for in my life... even when things get hard…and they do get hard!
💡Why is cultivating gratitude so critical during these elementary years?
Neuroscience and educational research tell us that gratitude isn't just a polite habit, it’s a foundational mental health skill. Studies show that children who actively practice gratitude experience stronger social connections, higher emotional resilience, better sleep, and decreased levels of anxiety. When we teach kids to scan their environment for what is working well, we are literally rewiring their brains to build optimistic, resilient mindsets that cushion them during challenging times.
Here are two simple, high-impact ways you can nurture a culture of gratitude at home:
Around the dinner table or during bedtime check-ins, invite everyone to share three quick things from their day:
 |
Rose: A highlight or something they felt thankful for. |
 |
Thorn: Something that was challenging or hard. |
 |
Bud: Something they are looking forward to tomorrow. |
- Why it works: Incorporating the "thorn" alongside the "rose" teaches children that gratitude doesn't mean ignoring hard feelings, it means finding hope and appreciation even on difficult days.
-
Personal Note: with our daughter growing up, she often looked to the negative so we took away the focus on “bud” in order to direct her to focus more on the positive.
Kids internalize what they see far more than what they are told. Make a point to let your children hear you express gratitude out loud for the little things: a warm cup of tea, a neighbor holding the door, or a moment of quiet after a busy day. Explicitly naming what you appreciate teaches them to notice and value life’s everyday moments.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership in building a compassionate, resilient community for our students. Wishing you and your family a wonderful month filled with warmth and connection!
Warmly,
Mr Geoff Heney
Elementary School Principal
| 📅 What's On: |
