Headlines - Cheryl Boughton's Blog

2009 – 2010 Head Girl Emilie Chiasson featured in July 21 Ottawa Citizen as one of the city’s best High School athletes. Congratulations Emilie!

Back in August I wrote how summer was fading and the first day of school was on the horizon. Flash forward to today—autumn, winter and spring have passed and summer has returned.

In the seasons between, I’ve been privileged to see our students grow together. To work and play together. To make mistakes and learn from them together. What I’ve seen is an entire community—parents, students, faculty, alumnae and staff—inspire each other to be their best.

Whole School Photo

The other day I had lunch with our Prefects—I can’t think of a better example of caring, confident and compassionate young leaders. They set an example for the entire student body, inspiring them to reach their full potential. They embody Elmwood’s values of respect, innovation, collaboration, responsibility and integrity. They personify the Elmwood community—a community that I’m proud to be a part of.

I’m honoured to be Headmistress at this wonderful school.

Thank you to all who attended our Junior and Middle School ceremonies yesterday and this afternoon—I look forward to seeing many of you tomorrow evening at our Senior School closing.

Cheryl

Recently, I had a conversation with a parent about her toddler’s swimming lessons. Ever since her child was six months old, they’ve taken Parent and Tot lessons together. As an infant, the child had no fear of going underwater, since babies have a natural instinct to hold their breath when submerged. Now, as a toddler, she’s reluctant to dunk her head, even though she’s capable of it.

With age, children obviously become more independent (as I’m sure you can attest). They have more capacity to think for themselves; they become more assertive and test boundaries. The flip side is they can also doubt themselves more. They may learn to avoid situations, providing a degree of short-term relief; but in the long-term, this practice only hinders them from reaching their potential.

Sometimes, we need to give them a little push.

Getting back to our story, the parent decided her daughter needed that push to go underwater at their next swimming lesson. The time came and she protested—but in her mother’s arms, down she went. The result? She surfaced, none the worse for wear. After realizing what she had done, a little smile appeared on her face. She whispered:

“Mommy, I did it.”

The parent tells me her daughter is still a little hesitant at times to go underwater, but she’s not afraid—and with each passing week, she becomes more and more confident.

This story reminds me of a video that another parent shared with me this week. It describes “The Push” as being the greatest gift you can ever give your child.

As parents and educators, when we know our children and students are ready, we have a responsibility to give them a push. Sometimes all it takes is a gentle reminder; sometimes we need to be stern. Sometimes, we just need to let go. By doing this, you allow them to fly—soaring beyond the heights of their imaginations.

And they will always have you to thank—for encouraging them to reach their full potential.

Cheryl