Monday September 30, 2019

Good evening everyone!

You will find that you have multiple tasks due tomorrow.  If you feel like you have a lot of homework, please use this as a valuable learning opportunity to realize the importance of using your class time more wisely.  Every task below you have had sufficient time to complete in class, and some you have had about a week to plan to complete.  I am excited to continue to support you all as you learn to manage your time well so that you can complete your work efficiently, and not have more homework than necessary. :)

Literacy - Please complete p.78 & 79 in your grammar booklets.  (Due tomorrow)

Literacy - Please complete reading the "Attitude Text" on Google Classroom.  This is the text we have been reading in class both Friday and today.  Please complete your notes for the chapter, and then create your synthesis from your notes.  You are encouraged to create as many as you can think of.  Please remember that the prompt we are using to create your synthesis is "I can use this information in the following ways...."  (Due tomorrow)

Math - Please complete your response that was given at the end of class today.... Please show visually (counters, number line, or another strategy) why (+8) - (-3) = (+11)  (Due tomorrow).

Math - Chapter 1 Test Thursday.  (Please note the extension that has been given for this).

Health - Please complete the work started today in class.  Your task is to read the article "10 Ways to Overcome Negative Body Image" (a copy of it is on the Literacy Google Classroom page).  Once you have read it, create a list of "life lessons" that you were able to come up with (or synthesize) through the reading.  You can track your life lessons however you would like, but I would recommend a list or a concept web.  When creating your life lessons, try to think deeply and create lessons that are not obvious.  This will involve some inferring.  (Due tomorrow)

Social Studies - Worldview (First Nations & Europeans) task on Google Classroom is due next week.  You will have 30 minutes next class to put the final touches on your work.  Please make sure that you have completed for homework all that needs to be done so that all you are doing in class is finishing touches.  (Due tomorrow)

Picture Day - Is Tuesday October 8th.

Below are some links to texts which promote mindsets that we are seeking to develop in our  class this year in order to enhance our learning experiences.  Each text is a teacher writing to their student in an effort to provide encouragement.  I hope you enjoy them.  Please let me know what you think :)  

I encourage you to share and discuss these with your parents.  In order to view them, I believe you will need to be logged into your Google Apps account.

1.  Adding to your bank account
2.  To the student who just got an answer wrong in class
3.  To accomplish, you must first become
4.  School improves your passions
5.  The way school improves your passions

Have a great evening,


Mr. Carr

jonathan.carr@yrdsb.ca
www.twitter.com/jonathanwcarr1 

Friday September 27, 2019

Good evening everyone!



I very much enjoyed getting to meet so many families last night.  I know that life is busy making it impossible for some to make it.  Please feel free to come in or give me a call at any point.  I would really love a chance to meet as we begin this school year together :)


Math - Chapter 1 Test Tuesday.

Health - Please complete the work started today in class.  Your task is to read the article "10 Ways to Overcome Negative Body Image" (a copy of it is on the Literacy Google Classroom page).  Once you have read it, create a list of "life lessons" that you were able to come up with (or synthesize) through the reading.  You can track your life lessons however you would like, but I would recommend a list or a concept web.  When creating your life lessons, try to think deeply and create lessons that are not obvious.  This will involve some inferring.  (Due Tuesday)

Math - Check-in quiz signed and returned (Due)

Social Studies - Worldview (First Nations & Europeans) task on Google Classroom is due next week.  You will have 30 minutes next class to put the final touches on your work.  Please make sure that you have completed for homework all that needs to be done so that all you are doing in class is finishing touches.  (Due Tuesday)

Chippewas of Georgina Island - There is a Pow Wow on Saturday and a bus will be leaving from our school for any families who are interested in attending.  If you are interested, please see Mr. Carr or Ms. Glanfield for more details.

Picture Day - Is Tuesday October 8th.

Below are some links to texts which promote mindsets that we are seeking to develop in our class this year.  Each text is a teacher writing to their student in an effort to provide encouragement.  I hope you enjoy them.  Please let me know what you think :)  

I encourage you to share and discuss these with your parents.  In order to view them, I believe you will need to be logged into your Google Apps account.

1.  Adding to your bank account
2.  To the student who just got an answer wrong in class
3.  To accomplish, you must first become
4.  School improves your passions
5.  The way school improves your passions

Have a great evening,


Mr. Carr

jonathan.carr@yrdsb.ca
www.twitter.com/jonathanwcarr1 

Thursday September 26, 2019

Good evening everyone!


Meet the Teacher Night - Tonight @ 6pm.  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone who is able to make it :)


Math - Please make sure you have gone through the math review (on Google Classroom).  You need to come prepared on Friday with any questions that you need answered.  You don't have to wait until Friday if you would like to come see me for extra help before school, at morning recess or after school.  (Due tomorrow)

Math - Chapter 1 Test Tuesday.

Health - Please complete the work started today in class.  Your task is to read the article "10 Ways to Overcome Negative Body Image" (a copy of it is on the Literacy Google Classroom page).  Once you have read it, create a list of "life lessons" that you were able to come up with (or synthesize) through the reading.  You can track your life lessons however you would like, but I would recommend a list or a concept web.  When creating your life lessons, try to think deeply and create lessons that are not obvious.  This will involve some inferring.  (Due Tuesday)

Math - Check-in quiz signed and returned (Due)

Social Studies - Worldview (First Nations & Europeans) task on Google Classroom is due next week.  You will have 30 minutes next class to put the final touches on your work.  Please make sure that you have completed for homework all that needs to be done so that all you are doing in class is finishing touches.  (Due Tuesday)

Chippewas of Georgina Island - There is a Pow Wow on Saturday and a bus will be leaving from our school for any families who are interested in attending.  If you are interested, please see Mr. Carr or Ms. Glanfield for more details.

Picture Day - Is Tuesday October 8th.

Below are some links to texts which promote mindsets that we are seeking to develop in our class this year.  Each text is a teacher writing to their student in an effort to provide encouragement.  I hope you enjoy them.  Please let me know what you think :)  

I encourage you to share and discuss these with your parents.  In order to view them, I believe you will need to be logged into your Google Apps account.

1.  Adding to your bank account
2.  To the student who just got an answer wrong in class
3.  To accomplish, you must first become
4.  School improves your passions
5.  The way school improves your passions

Have a great evening,


Mr. Carr

jonathan.carr@yrdsb.ca
www.twitter.com/jonathanwcarr1 

Wednesday September 25, 2019

Good evening everyone!


Math - Please make sure you have gone through the math review (on Google Classroom).  You need to come prepared on Friday with any questions that you need answered.  You don't have to wait until Friday if you would like to come see me for extra help before school, at morning recess or after school.  (Due Friday)

Math - Chapter 1 Test Tuesday.

Health - Please complete the work started today in class.  Your task is to read the article "10 Ways to Overcome Negative Body Image" (a copy of it is on the Literacy Google Classroom page).  Once you have read it, create a list of "life lessons" that you were able to come up with (or synthesize) through the reading.  You can track your life lessons however you would like, but I would recommend a list or a concept web.  When creating your life lessons, try to think deeply and create lessons that are not obvious.  This will involve some inferring.  (Due Tuesday)

Math - Check-in quiz signed and returned (Due)

Art - Jersey assignment (due)

Social Studies - Worldview (First Nations & Europeans) task on Google Classroom is due next week.  You will have 30 minutes next class to put the final touches on your work.  Please make sure that you have completed for homework all that needs to be done so that all you are doing in class is finishing touches.  (Due Tuesday)

Meet the Teacher Night - Tomorrow night @ 6pm.  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone who is able to make it :)

Terry Fox Run - Is tomorrow morning.  We are hoping to be able to collect a "Toonie for Terry" from everyone :)  Thank you so much to everyone who have so generously donated!

Chippewas of Georgina Island - There is a Pow Wow on Saturday and a bus will be leaving from our school for any families who are interested in attending.  If you are interested, please see Mr. Carr or Ms. Glanfield for more details.

Picture Day - Is Tuesday October 8th.

Have a great evening,


Mr. Carr

jonathan.carr@yrdsb.ca
www.twitter.com/jonathanwcarr1 

Tuesday September 24, 2019

Good evening everyone!


Math - We will continue our math review tomorrow, and we will also look to set our test date for Chapter #1 - Factors & Exponents.

Health - Please complete the work started today in class.  Your task is to read the article "10 Ways to Overcome Negative Body Image" (a copy of it is on the Literacy Google Classroom page).  Once you have read it, create a list of "life lessons" that you were able to come up with (or synthesize) through the reading.  You can track your life lessons however you would like, but I would recommend a list or a concept web.  When creating your life lessons, try to think deeply and create lessons that are not obvious.  This will involve some inferring.  (Due Tuesday)

Math - Check-in quiz signed and returned (Due)

Art - Jersey assignment (due)

Social Studies - Worldview (First Nations & Europeans) task on Google Classroom is due next week.  You will have 30 minutes next class to put the final touches on your work.  Please make sure that you have completed for homework all that needs to be done so that all you are doing in class is finishing touches.  (Due Tuesday)

Meet the Teacher Night - Thursday @ 6pm.  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone who is able to make it :)

Terry Fox Run - On Thursday morning.  We are hoping to be able to collect a "Toonie for Terry" from everyone :)  Thank you so much to everyone who have so generously donated!

Chippewas of Georgina Island - There is a Pow Wow on Saturday and a bus will be leaving from our school for any families who are interested in attending.  If you are interested, please see Mr. Carr for more details.

Have a great evening,


Mr. Carr

jonathan.carr@yrdsb.ca
www.twitter.com/jonathanwcarr1 

Friday September 20, 2019

Good evening everyone!

Please remember that Monday is a PA Day.  Have a wonderful long weekend! :)






Math - Check-in quiz signed and returned (Due Tuesday)

Art - Jersey assignment (due)

Social Studies - Please read p.28-36 in the textbook and add to your worldview T-charts.  Pay special attention to the challenges that the Europeans & First Nations people experienced.  You will need to make inferences and interpretations in order to find things to add to your T-charts.  As we discussed in class, how you deal with challenges often reveals what you value.  For instance, if you value people, you won't scream and yell at them when they make a mistake.  (Due Tuesday)


Meet the Teacher Night - Thursday September 26th @ 6pm.  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone who is able to make it :)

Terry Fox Run - On the morning of Thursday September 26th.  We are hoping to be able to collect a "Toonie for Terry" from everyone :)  Thank you so much to everyone who have so generously donated!

Have a great evening,


Mr. Carr

jonathan.carr@yrdsb.ca
www.twitter.com/jonathanwcarr1 

Thursday September 19, 2019

Good evening everyone!



Google Classroom Sign-Up - Please sign up for the following Google Classrooms.  Codes are included below.

Math - 0unbfg8

Literacy - k1ikk1

Social Studies - dbkrze0


Literacy - Please complete the question below in your journal.  As discussed in class, your goal is to have at least 250 words.  (Due tomorrow)

Please choose a block on the Pyramid of Success and discuss how you intend to improve in that area.  Please make sure to highlight any time you use a prompt to "push your thinking" and add more detail to your writing.


Literacy - Please complete page 28 from your grammar package.  (Due tomorrow)

Literacy - Please make sure that you have been adding to your notebooks examples of how you have used your reading comprehension strategies.  You should have a section for tracking these in your Literacy notebooks, and you should have quite a few examples by now.

Math - p. 28 #8 (Due tomorrow)

Art - Jersey assignment (due tomorrow)

Social Studies - Please read p.28-36 in the textbook and add to your worldview T-charts.  Pay special attention to the challenges that the Europeans & First Nations people experienced.  You will need to make inferences and interpretations in order to find things to add to your T-charts.  As we discussed in class, how you deal with challenges often reveals what you value.  For instance, if you value people, you won't scream and yell at them when they make a mistake.  (Due Monday)



Forms - These are now due back.  Thank you so much :)

Silent Reading books - Please always have at least 2 books at school for silent reading purposes.  These should be texts that will appropriately challenge you.

Meet the Teacher Night - Thursday September 26th @ 6pm.  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone who is able to make it :)

Terry Fox Run - On the morning of Thursday September 26th.  We are hoping to be able to collect a "Toonie for Terry" from everyone :)  Thank you so much to everyone who have so generously donated!

Have a great evening,


Mr. Carr

jonathan.carr@yrdsb.ca
www.twitter.com/jonathanwcarr1 

Wednesday September 18, 2019

Good evening everyone!



Google Classroom Sign-Up - Please sign up for the following Google Classrooms.  Codes are included below.

Math - 0unbfg8

Literacy - k1ikk1

Social Studies - dbkrze0


Literacy - Please complete the following questions in your journal.  As discussed in class, your goal is to have at least 200 words.  (Due tomorrow)

Write yourself a journal entry explaining to yourself why self-control matters and how you can demonstrate it at school.  Motivate yourself by explaining the positive difference self-control would make in your life.  Please make sure to include at least 2 compound sentences.  Please highlight them.


Literacy - Please complete page 27 from your grammar package.   Please make sure that you have copied the following notes down on page 27 to help us remember how to identify run-on sentences....

1.  Any spot when you feel like you need to take a breath.
2.  Identify the complete thoughts, for these are sentences you can create.
3.  Create compound sentences where appropriate. 

Art - Jersey assignment (due Friday)

French - Presentations (due)

Social Studies - Please read p.28-36 in the textbook and add to your worldview T-charts.  Pay special attention to the challenges that the Europeans & First Nations people experienced.  You will need to make inferences and interpretations in order to find things to add to your T-charts.  As we discussed in class, how you deal with challenges often reveals what you value.  For instance, if you value people, you won't scream and yell at them when they make a mistake.  (Due Monday)



Forms - These are now due back.  Thank you so much :)

Silent Reading books - Please always have at least 2 books at school for silent reading purposes.  These should be texts that will appropriately challenge you.

Meet the Teacher Night - Thursday September 26th @ 6pm.  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone who is able to make it :)

Terry Fox Run - On the morning of Thursday September 26th.  We are hoping to be able to collect a "Toonie for Terry" from everyone :)  Thank you so much to everyone who have so generously donated!

Below is another text which reflects what we have been learning about creating a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students.  (I apologize that the formatting is a little weird :) )

My friend,

I noticed how hard you were working today in class.  I noticed how focused and intentional you were
with your efforts.  I noticed how you demonstrated many of the characteristics from the Pyramid of
Success.  Characteristics such as….

Determination

Perseverance

Hard work

Loyalty

Team-spirit

Confidence

Skill

Poise

Initiative

Many people think that success comes through their accomplishments.  They define their success
based on the scores they receive on report cards, test, essays, assignments, etc..  There is no doubt
that these results are important, but when you were working hard in class today, you showed me that
you understand how to pursue success in an intentional way.  You showed me that you know how to
make sure that the marks, measurements and assessments that you receive reflect your full potential.
You showed me that you know how to pursue success in a very healthy manner.  You showed me that
you understand that success is more about who you are becoming, than it is about what you are
accomplishing.

When you analyse the list of characteristics you demonstrated in class today, you can see that they are
characteristics that you become rather than accomplish.  For instance….

You cannot accomplish determination, but you can become determined.  

You cannot accomplish perseverance, but you can become someone who perseveres.

In order to accomplish hard work, you must become someone who always works hard.

We don’t accomplish loyalty, we become someone who is consistently loyal to others.

You cannot accomplish team-spirit, you become someone who consistently demonstrates team-spirit.

You cannot accomplish confidence, you become someone who is confident.

You can accomplish skill, but in order to do so you must become someone who demonstrates skills
like those mentioned above in order to ensure that those skills are developed.

Now obviously there may be exceptions to this rule, but this idea always holds true - If you want to
accomplish great things, you need to focus on who you are becoming.  When you focus on what you
are becoming, the accomplishments will follow. 

Too often we focus solely on what we want to accomplish, and in turn it creates stress and anxiety due
to the fact that we are focusing on end results that we cannot always control.  However, when we focus
on what we are becoming, we are focusing on what is within our control, and in turn we increase the
likelihood that we will accomplish what we have set our minds to. 

I learned this as a young golfer.  I was always so focused on what score I would shoot in each
tournament, and as a result, I would become stressed and anxious about the results.  I had to learn
that instead of focusing on the end results, I needed to focus on what I could control - my attitude,
confidence, perseverance, determination, etc..  When I focused on these things, I focused on what I
could control, and in doing so it freed me from much of the anxiety that I was feeling, and increased the
chances that I would actually shoot better scores and reach my full potential.  I started accomplishing my
best, when I focused on becoming my best.

So I want to encourage you to continue pursuing success in the ways that you were pursuing it today in
class.  And I hope you don’t mind me encouraging you to take advantage of every class, every activity,
every assignment, and every assessment to practice becoming the ways that will help you accomplish
your personal best - both now and in your future. 

I’m proud of you, and I’m excited for who you are becoming.

Have a great evening,


Mr. Carr

jonathan.carr@yrdsb.ca
www.twitter.com/jonathanwcarr1 

Tuesday September 17, 2019

Good evening everyone!


Attention Parents
Today we discussed the reasons why people can abuse substances.  We discussed ideas about body image & peer pressure.  We paid special attention to peer pressure, and discussed the idea that how you deal with peer pressure now can have a direct effect on how you deal with it later in life - high school & beyond.  We identified that the consequences of giving into peer pressure on things like breaking rules at recess is not as "big a deal" as whether or not you give into peer pressure regarding things like drugs, but that knowing how to deal with peer pressure now will prepare you to deal with it later - when the stakes are greater.  Students are encouraged to discuss these ideas with their families. :)

Google Classroom Sign-Up - Please sign up for the following Google Classrooms.  Codes are included below.

Math - 0unbfg8

Literacy - k1ikk1

Social Studies - dbkrze0


Literacy - Please complete the following questions in your journal.  As discussed in class, your goal is to have a combined 200 words.  (Due tomorrow)

1. What reading comprehension strategies do you find most useful to help you think and make sense of what you read?

2.  Which reading comprehension strategies do you think you should try to use more often.  Please explain why.


Literacy - Please complete pages 14 & 25 from the grammar packages given out today in class.  Please do not follow the instructions on the actual page.  Please follow these instructions below....

Page 14 - For each sentence, write an S beside it and place a proper end punctuation at the end of the sentence.  If it is not a proper sentence, then please rewrite it so that it is a proper sentence.

Page 25 - Please write CP or CS beside each compound sentence.  If it is not a compound sentence, then please rewrite it so that it is.  

Art - Jersey assignment (due Friday)

French - Presentations (due)

Social Studies - Please read p.28-36 in the textbook and add to your worldview T-charts.  Pay special attention to the challenges that the Europeans & First Nations people experienced.  You will need to make inferences and interpretations in order to find things to add to your T-charts.  As we discussed in class, how you deal with challenges often reveals what you value.  For instance, if you value people, you won't scream and yell at them when they make a mistake.  (Due Monday)



Forms - These are now due back.  Thank you so much :)

Silent Reading books - Please always have at least 2 books at school for silent reading purposes.  These should be texts that will appropriately challenge you.

Meet the Teacher Night - Thursday September 26th @ 6pm.  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone who is able to make it :)

Terry Fox Run - On the morning of Thursday September 26th.  We are hoping to be able to collect a "Toonie for Terry" from everyone :)  Thank you so much to everyone who have so generously donated!

Below is another text which reflects what we have been learning about creating a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students.  (I apologize that the formatting is a little weird :) )

My friend,

I noticed how hard you were working today in class.  I noticed how focused and intentional you were
with your efforts.  I noticed how you demonstrated many of the characteristics from the Pyramid of
Success.  Characteristics such as….

Determination

Perseverance

Hard work

Loyalty

Team-spirit

Confidence

Skill

Poise

Initiative

Many people think that success comes through their accomplishments.  They define their success
based on the scores they receive on report cards, test, essays, assignments, etc..  There is no doubt
that these results are important, but when you were working hard in class today, you showed me that
you understand how to pursue success in an intentional way.  You showed me that you know how to
make sure that the marks, measurements and assessments that you receive reflect your full potential.
You showed me that you know how to pursue success in a very healthy manner.  You showed me that
you understand that success is more about who you are becoming, than it is about what you are
accomplishing.

When you analyse the list of characteristics you demonstrated in class today, you can see that they are
characteristics that you become rather than accomplish.  For instance….

You cannot accomplish determination, but you can become determined.  

You cannot accomplish perseverance, but you can become someone who perseveres.

In order to accomplish hard work, you must become someone who always works hard.

We don’t accomplish loyalty, we become someone who is consistently loyal to others.

You cannot accomplish team-spirit, you become someone who consistently demonstrates team-spirit.

You cannot accomplish confidence, you become someone who is confident.

You can accomplish skill, but in order to do so you must become someone who demonstrates skills
like those mentioned above in order to ensure that those skills are developed.

Now obviously there may be exceptions to this rule, but this idea always holds true - If you want to
accomplish great things, you need to focus on who you are becoming.  When you focus on what you
are becoming, the accomplishments will follow. 

Too often we focus solely on what we want to accomplish, and in turn it creates stress and anxiety due
to the fact that we are focusing on end results that we cannot always control.  However, when we focus
on what we are becoming, we are focusing on what is within our control, and in turn we increase the
likelihood that we will accomplish what we have set our minds to. 

I learned this as a young golfer.  I was always so focused on what score I would shoot in each
tournament, and as a result, I would become stressed and anxious about the results.  I had to learn
that instead of focusing on the end results, I needed to focus on what I could control - my attitude,
confidence, perseverance, determination, etc..  When I focused on these things, I focused on what I
could control, and in doing so it freed me from much of the anxiety that I was feeling, and increased the
chances that I would actually shoot better scores and reach my full potential.  I started accomplishing my
best, when I focused on becoming my best.

So I want to encourage you to continue pursuing success in the ways that you were pursuing it today in
class.  And I hope you don’t mind me encouraging you to take advantage of every class, every activity,
every assignment, and every assessment to practice becoming the ways that will help you accomplish
your personal best - both now and in your future. 

I’m proud of you, and I’m excited for who you are becoming.

Have a great evening,


Mr. Carr

jonathan.carr@yrdsb.ca
www.twitter.com/jonathanwcarr1 

Monday September 16, 2019

Good evening everyone!


Attention Parents
Today we discussed the reasons why people can abuse substances.  We discussed ideas about body image & peer pressure.  We paid special attention to peer pressure, and discussed the idea that how you deal with peer pressure now can have a direct effect on how you deal with it later in life - high school & beyond.  We identified that the consequences of giving into peer pressure on things like breaking rules at recess is not as "big a deal" as whether or not you give into peer pressure regarding things like drugs, but that knowing how to deal with peer pressure now will prepare you to deal with it later - when the stakes are greater.  Students are encouraged to discuss these ideas with their families. :)

Google Classroom Sign-Up - Please sign up for the following Google Classrooms.  Codes are included below.

Math - 0unbfg8

Literacy - k1ikk1

Social Studies - dbkrze0




Math - p. 24-25 # 9, 15, 16, 19 (Due tomorrow)

Art - Jersey assignment (due Friday)

French - Presentations (due Tuesday)

Social Studies - Please read p.28-36 in the textbook and add to your worldview T-charts.  Pay special attention to the challenges that the Europeans & First Nations people experienced.  You will need to make inferences and interpretations in order to find things to add to your T-charts.  As we discussed in class, how you deal with challenges often reveals what you value.  For instance, if you value people, you won't scream and yell at them when they make a mistake.  (Due Monday)

Passion Project - As discussed in class, please give some thought to some possible "Passion Project" topics.  Please try to come up with a list of at least 4 possible topics that interest you.  Think about...
1. Topics and/or hobbies - ex. Hockey, golf, music, painting, photography, autism, culture, religion, etc.
2. Skills - public speaking, attitude, gratitude, writing, serving, acting, painting, etc.
3. Basically your passion project can be anything that you are passionate about, want to get better at, know more about, etc. 

Forms - These are now due back.  Thank you so much :)

Silent Reading books - Please always have at least 2 books at school for silent reading purposes.  These should be texts that will appropriately challenge you.

Meet the Teacher Night - Thursday September 26th @ 6pm.  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone who is able to make it :)

Terry Fox Run - On the morning of Thursday September 26th.  We are hoping to be able to collect a "Toonie for Terry" from everyone :)  Thank you so much to everyone who have so generously donated!

Below is another text which reflects what we have been learning about creating a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students.  (I apologize that the formatting is a little weird :) )

My friend,

I noticed how hard you were working today in class.  I noticed how focused and intentional you were
with your efforts.  I noticed how you demonstrated many of the characteristics from the Pyramid of
Success.  Characteristics such as….

Determination

Perseverance

Hard work

Loyalty

Team-spirit

Confidence

Skill

Poise

Initiative

Many people think that success comes through their accomplishments.  They define their success
based on the scores they receive on report cards, test, essays, assignments, etc..  There is no doubt
that these results are important, but when you were working hard in class today, you showed me that
you understand how to pursue success in an intentional way.  You showed me that you know how to
make sure that the marks, measurements and assessments that you receive reflect your full potential.
You showed me that you know how to pursue success in a very healthy manner.  You showed me that
you understand that success is more about who you are becoming, than it is about what you are
accomplishing.

When you analyse the list of characteristics you demonstrated in class today, you can see that they are
characteristics that you become rather than accomplish.  For instance….

You cannot accomplish determination, but you can become determined.  

You cannot accomplish perseverance, but you can become someone who perseveres.

In order to accomplish hard work, you must become someone who always works hard.

We don’t accomplish loyalty, we become someone who is consistently loyal to others.

You cannot accomplish team-spirit, you become someone who consistently demonstrates team-spirit.

You cannot accomplish confidence, you become someone who is confident.

You can accomplish skill, but in order to do so you must become someone who demonstrates skills
like those mentioned above in order to ensure that those skills are developed.

Now obviously there may be exceptions to this rule, but this idea always holds true - If you want to
accomplish great things, you need to focus on who you are becoming.  When you focus on what you
are becoming, the accomplishments will follow. 

Too often we focus solely on what we want to accomplish, and in turn it creates stress and anxiety due
to the fact that we are focusing on end results that we cannot always control.  However, when we focus
on what we are becoming, we are focusing on what is within our control, and in turn we increase the
likelihood that we will accomplish what we have set our minds to. 

I learned this as a young golfer.  I was always so focused on what score I would shoot in each
tournament, and as a result, I would become stressed and anxious about the results.  I had to learn
that instead of focusing on the end results, I needed to focus on what I could control - my attitude,
confidence, perseverance, determination, etc..  When I focused on these things, I focused on what I
could control, and in doing so it freed me from much of the anxiety that I was feeling, and increased the
chances that I would actually shoot better scores and reach my full potential.  I started accomplishing my
best, when I focused on becoming my best.

So I want to encourage you to continue pursuing success in the ways that you were pursuing it today in
class.  And I hope you don’t mind me encouraging you to take advantage of every class, every activity,
every assignment, and every assessment to practice becoming the ways that will help you accomplish
your personal best - both now and in your future. 

I’m proud of you, and I’m excited for who you are becoming.

Have a great evening,


Mr. Carr

jonathan.carr@yrdsb.ca
www.twitter.com/jonathanwcarr1