For the first two weeks of this term, we have been focussing on Manaakitanga - and in particular looking after our school equipment and property. Learning spaces have some new P.E. equipment to use in break times, and they are being challenged to look after it. The Learning Space(s) that still have all their gear at the end of the term will be allowed to look in the catalogue and choose some more! For the next 2 weeks, we will be focussing on a concept called “Living Above the Line.” The website: peopleleaders.com.au is useful to look at for a definition of this. They say that above the line thinking is about being open and curious. It’s being able to respond effectively and usefully in any given situation. It’s about starting with an intention and then working out how you can actually bring it into play, e.g. What are my responsibilities here? How can I accept what's happening without blaming someone else? Where I can take ownership and accountability? How did I contribute to this? What could I be doing differently? Where is my role in this situation? How can I make a difference? How can I be helpful and of service to someone else? How can I cooperate? How can I support? How can I add value? How can I involve the right people? When your thinking is below the line, you're protecting and defending yourself either passively (not contributing at all), or aggressively (by attacking others). This type of thinking is about trying to avoid responsibility, criticism and loss of control, e.g. blame, denial, excuses, and justification. "They're wrong" "It’s not my fault" "It's got to be my way" "I don’t trust what they're saying." Above the line feeling: "Think about the last time you felt curious about something". "Were you enthusiastic enough to take action on it?" It might have been as simple as Googling something you were interested in. Above the line feelings are action-oriented, e.g. there’s an energy in enthusiasm, and above the line feelings are connected with that energy. Open and curious, compassionate, empowered, and enthusiastic. Below the line feelings are negative and often characterised by disconnection and misalignment with words and behaviours, e.g. frustration, dissatisfaction, impatience, urgency, suspicion, resentment, overwhelmed, fear, and tension.