At our school, we pledge to provide “first-class teaching and learning for everyone, in a safe, supportive environment”. Although our school data showcases our ‘first-class teaching and learning’ component, it is felt that none of this can be achieved without the safe, and supportive environment in which we operate. Never has this culture and environment been more relevant and more heavily relied upon than in this challenging year. It is felt that this is a basis upon which all successful schools can be built, as “culture” is the cornerstone of all things education as evidenced by the SIH ("School Improvement Hierarchy", 2020). In his seminal 1966 book, Bower, states the culture is “the way we do things around here” (1966). We have been the beneficiaries of this culture as our school has withstood the shock and change associated with the global Covid-19 through a number of school processes which have been responded to in an agile manner. One of these tools is the Hi-Wave Habit.
Hi-Wave
The Hi-Wave Habit, created by our school, is based on the 10/5 habit pioneered in some successful hospitals, shops, and hotels in response to the finding that ‘happiness is contagious’ (Achor, 2020). We have been, for the last 3 years employing a “hi wave” to help all community members. This involves:
If a child or staff member comes within 5 metres in the school grounds: wave and smile
If a child or staff member comes within 2 metres in the school grounds: speak and greet
This year has been a challenging year for all of us and even though a return to school has helped restore some sense of normality, many of us continue to be anxious about what the future may hold. The “Hi Wave Habit” is one research- based way that our school goes above and beyond to ensure students have personal interactions that are positive. Qualitatively, staff and students will say that this is contagious and often a simple wave and a smile is enough to brighten their day. The habit also ensures that students are prepared socially for high school, and future employment and civic life, by teaching the ‘soft skills’ of manners like eye contact with people, asking how their day is going and responding to others’ body language. Visitors to the school will also mention how warm and welcoming the school is. During the “Learning at Home” period, the Hi-Wave even went digital with a weekly ‘hi wave’ to students via our media platforms from admin members. Staff and students are now excited that we can do the wave and say hello in person again, whilst still abiding by social distancing guidelines.
References
Achor, S. (2020). Why Happiness is Contagious. Retrieved 14 June 2020, from http://www.oprah.com/own-super-soul-sunday/shawn-achor-on-why-happiness-is-contagious/all
Bower, M. (1966). The will to manage. New York: McGraw-Hill.
School Improvement Hierarchy. (2020). Retrieved 14 June 2020, from https://schoolreviews.education.qld.gov.au/about-us/school-improvement-hierarchy
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