For some students this feels energising; for others it can feel a little daunting. Both are completely normal and both are an important part of learning how to navigate change. 

These early weeks play a powerful role in shaping how children feel about school and learning. Before everything becomes comfortable, students are gently learning how to manage change, build independence and grow in confidence, all within the safety of a familiar and caring school community. These small experiences of uncertainty help children develop resilience and a sense of ‘I can do hard things,’ which supports them not only at school but throughout life. 

This year at Living Faith, our whole-school theme is Shine Together. It reminds us that every child has unique gifts and that we shine brightest when we learn, grow and support one another. It also reflects our belief that learning is not a solo journey. When children feel connected, supported and encouraged, they are far more willing to take risks, ask questions and believe in their own potential. 

Shine Together Through Our Values and Growth Mindset 

During the first week of school, we focus on Growth Mindset. Students learn how their brains grow, how effort builds new learning pathways and how mistakes help us improve. They explore what it means to keep trying when learning feels hard and how challenges can actually help their brains become stronger.

A growth mindset helps children: 

• Try new things; 
• Keep going when learning feels hard; 
• See mistakes as part of learning; and 
• Believe in their ability to improve. 

These habits are directly connected to our school values and bring them to life in practical ways. 

When students Fail Forward, they learn that mistakes help them grow rather than hold them back. When they Be Curious, they ask questions and explore new ideas instead of giving up. When they Dare to Dream, they take brave learning risks and try things that feel new or unfamiliar. When they Lead with Love and work Better Together, they feel safe to try, share and stretch themselves without fear of judgement. When they Be the Change, they learn that their actions, effort and attitude can make a positive difference for themselves and others. 

Together, our theme, our values and a growth mindset create classrooms where students feel supported to learn, take risks and shine together as a learning community.

The Power of ‘Yet’

One simple but powerful idea we teach students is the Power of ‘Yet.’ We help children understand that the way they talk about their learning can shape how they feel and how they perform. Adding one small word can shift a fixed mindset into a growth mindset. 

We encourage students to add ‘yet’ to unhelpful thoughts: 

• ‘I can’t do this … yet’ 
• ‘I’m not good at this … yet’ 
• ‘I don’t understand this … yet’ 

This small word reminds students that learning takes time and that challenge is a normal part of growing. It reinforces the message that their abilities are not fixed and that with effort, practice and support, they can continue to improve.

How You Can Help at Home

Families play an important role in reinforcing these messages. Children are far more likely to develop a growth mindset when they hear consistent language and encouragement both at school and at home. 

You can help by: 

• Praising effort, not just results; 
• Normalising mistakes as part of learning; 
• Using the word ‘yet’ in everyday conversations; 
• Talking about challenges you face and how you work through them; and 
• Encouraging curiosity and questions. 

Together, by nurturing growth mindsets and living our values, we can help our children grow in confidence, resilience and joy in learning and truly shine together.

Alana Reville 

Head of Learning and Innovation