A number of years ago, I watched a very inspiring TED talk by Dr Angela Lee Duckworth about "Grit". If I remember correctly, I believe I actually watched this 6 minute talk a couple of times in a row, as there was something within her message that really resonated with me. She shared about leaving a high-flying job in consulting to pursue teaching Year 7 Mathematics in a New York public school. Dr Duckworth came to the realisation that IQ wasn't the only defining factor in the gap between her students who were successful, and those who weren't. She explained that "grit" was a true predictor of success. This launched her into extensive research into the concept of grit and using this to predict success in many areas of life, and within many groups of people.

"Grit is passion and perseverance for long-term goals. Grit is having stamina. Grit is living life like it's a marathon, not a sprint." - Dr Angela Lee Duckworth. Other words that I connect with grit include courage, bravery, endurance and tenacity. As I interact with our students and staff here at PPN, I am surrounded by amazing individuals and groups that demonstrate grit in many aspects of their lives. Today I had the privilege of listening to one of our little ones read to me. He has been a part of our Mini-Lit program in Year 2 and has demonstrated grit and tenacity in improving his reading ability. The joy on his face to celebrate moving up three reading levels this term was priceless. He has shown strength of character and a real determination to overcome challenges and smash his goal! What a champion!

People who demonstrate grit, will generally also demonstrate a growth mindset. I would love to share many examples of growth mindset with you, but I will have to save it for another Principal's Remarks. We are very passionate about developing learners with a growth mindset here at PPN. Learners who instead of thinking "I don't understand", but rather show a growth mindset by thinking "I don't understand YET".

So what was it that resonated with me when I first watched the original TED talk about grit? I connected this sense of courage, perseverance and tenacity to situations in my own life and in the lives of those around me. I was inspired by the grit shown in others to push through tough situations, to tackle challenges that seemed impossible and allow their strength of character to speak volumes as they overcame obstacles and achieved goals.

I would like to challenge our school community in the upcoming weeks as we head towards the school holidays: are you willing to be "gritty" to encourage grit in others? Let's embrace grit! Let's celebrate grit! Let's be gritty!

Blessings,

Tamara