Character Development, Character Attributes, and Social-Emotional Skills Development (WRDSB Policy 2004)

Character Development is defined as an ongoing process of growth that intentionally models, teaches and inspires all people to want to do the right thing for the greater good of our whole community. Character Development is the journey of connecting deep caring to knowing, feeling and doing.

The Waterloo Region District School Board has identified the following eight universal attributes that are valued within schools and our communities. Character development is the deliberate effort to nurture these attributes and use them as a standard against which we hold ourselves accountable. They are key aspects of school life. They bind us together and form the basis of responsible citizenship. They are a foundation for excellence and equity in education and for school communities that are respectful, safe, caring and inclusive.

WRDSB’s Character Attributes are:

Empathy:
Understanding how someone feels and responding with sensitivity.

Initiative:
Acting responsibly without being asked.

Cooperation:
Everyone working together for the greater good of all.

Integrity:
Saying and doing what you know is right, even when it is hard.

Respect:
Treating others, ourselves and our environment with care and consideration.

Hope:
Acting with the belief that things can be better and that what we say and do matters.

Social Responsibility:
Acting as caring citizens who want to make our world a better place for everyone.

Kindness:

Helping others with your caring words and actions.

 

 

Character Attribute Assemblies and Class Meetings

Throughout the school year, each of our classes takes a turn hosting an assembly with a focus on a specific character attribute (e.g., SOAR with: Empathy, Kindness, Hope, Cooperation, Integrity, etc.). Each character attribute is discussed during class meetings following each assembly.

 

Colour House Activities

Our students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 have the opportunity to participate in fun activities with others outside of their own classroom. Floradale staff members organize special days such as Fall Play Day, Cookies and a Story Day, Outdoor Winter Play Day, and Outdoor Spring Play Day to build a sense of community in our school. Our grade 7 and 8 Falcons have a chance to hone their leadership skills as they run each of the events.

 

Spirit Days

Every month, our Falcons take part in fun days that build a sense of spirit throughout our school. Examples of these days are: Falcon Colour Day, Green/Red/White Day, Backwards/Inside Out Day, Wacky Hair Day, Wacky Glasses Day, Wacky Hat Day, and Summer Day.