"Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day." (Henri Nouwen) This concept can be challenging, particularly if we are facing certain challenges or situations in our life. How do we cultivate joy? How do we encourage others to cultivate a joyful life? When I think about the word "cultivate", I tend to think of gardening, and I am not a green thumb, so this is quite daunting! On a side note: I am, however, excited to witness our students demonstrate their green thumbs by planting some trees on Friday, as we participate in National School Tree Planting Day. Look out for photos and memories of this upcoming event.

Instead of just sharing some of my experiences or thoughts, I asked some of our teachers to send me some students that they believe cultivate joy in their classrooms and around the school community. What a delightful start to the day I had spending some time with these students and sharing our ideas about cultivating joy. Pure joy! Alexander (a very wise Yr 3 student) very quickly explained that the word cultivate means to grow or prepare for something. So how do we grow or prepare joy? I was blown away by some of the responses that were shared this morning, these joyful students demonstrated wisdom beyond their years. Ideas such as serving others to grow joy, or focusing on the positives instead of being stuck in the negatives, and always looking for the good in one another. We have collated some of these wonderful, and contagious ideas in the video below.

Children learn from us. They watch us. They mimic our behaviour and reactions. If we want to cultivate joy in those around us, let's be the first to demonstrate this joy. May our joy be contagious! Give back to those around us, to our families, our school and our communities. Be grateful and share this attitude of gratitude. Notice the good in others and the nature around us and verbalise this to your children. Our children, our students here at Prescott Primary Northern, are a great source of joy. Let's cultivate joy, no matter what stressful or challenging times you may currently be facing. Because put simply: joy is a choice! Choose joy. Embrace joy. Cultivate joy.

Have a joyful week with your children.

Blessings,

Tamara