This year, we have all had to learn to be flexible and adapt to change. A feature of the Year 3 curriculum has been focussing on the positive aspects of our experiences while also acknowledging there have been many disappointments. One significant disappointment for teachers and students is that this week would have seen the Year 3 students returning from their first away from School camp.

An aspect of positive thinking that we have embraced, is to manage these disappointments by focussing only on what we can control. One thing that we have been able to focus on during the time of COVID-19 is an awe of nature. As Julia Baird* explains, awe, which can be defined as ‘a positive emotion elicited when in the presence of vast things not immediately understood’, which “reduces self-focus, promotes social connection, and fosters prosocial actions by encouraging a ‘small self’.”

Research is mounting in this area, and the findings in general are that awe can make people more generous, humble and less anxious, depressed and unwell.

This week the Year 3 Environment Committee and other members of our community have taken part in the Australian Backyard Bird Count and by doing so, have taken 20 minutes out of their day to slow down, observe and note the birds in our area. We have taken the time to be surrounded by wonders.

We invite you to take part also over the coming weekend by looking at the following website: https://aussiebirdcount.org.au/

Julia Baird, Phosphorescence: On awe, wonder and things that sustain you when the world goes dark.