Human & Social
Our students will study personal and human social skills and as they relate to students' identity in the world - both as individuals and as members of their community. We are learning that personal and human social skills encompass the abilities students needs to thrive as individuals, to understand and care about themselves and others, and to find and achieve their purposes in the world.
AVS Character Abbotsford with Shalaya Valenzuela
On November 7th Julianna, Emmett, Tearyn, Tobias and Mr. Carpenter attended a Speaker Event at Character Abbotsford where they heard from the 2024 Olympic Silver Medalist SHALAYA VALENZUELA who represented Canada at the Paris Olympics on the Womens 7s Rugby Team. Shalaya who attended our Phillip Sheffield back in 2006-7 just before AVS took over this building. Shalya talked about her journey from being a student in Abbotsford here to eventually graduating from Yale Secondary. All the while she learned to play rugby at the school level and eventually to UVic and then onto the Canadian Women’s Rugby Team. She talked about the hard work it took for her to realize her dream. That hard work requires character which encompasses so many traits that we call CHARACTER.
Our reflections just after we attended the event:
Julianna says “If you have a dream you have to learn to give up things that make you comfortable; You need to push yourself to grow and learn from your mistakes. Hard work takes time.”
Tearyn says “I found it interesting talking about how we can find ways to follow through and believe in our dreams. We need to take the opportunities we are given and put in the hard work on what we are passionate about. It may not always go the way that is expected; however it is about following what you are passionate about.”
Emmett says “I learned that while one may experience imposter syndrome when surrounded by their peers, you deserve to be where you are. While it may not feel like it, you’ve worked just as hard as everyone else to be in their company.”
Tobias says “I learned that hard work really is everything. Without hard work, you can never achieve your goals. I also found that a positive mindset is crucial for success. It was inspiring to hear from someone whose hard work paid off.”
Mr. Carpenter recalled this quote from Jory Smallenberg “Working hard is so important but it doesn’t protect from
disappointment.” But that disappointment needs to be realized and we need to know that hard work is good character.