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St. Thomas à Becket Foundation |
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making a
difference |
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| September
begins with children and teachers returning to school
for the new academic year. |
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I recall
with fondness a former headteacher of a secondary school who would
give lots of chocolates to his staff to thank them and support them
in their work. Alongside setting educational goals and
targets he would encourage everyone to: |
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‘Touch another’s heart and
make them feel valued today.’ |
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That target was inspired by
John Baptist De La Salle who was declared
the Patron saint of teachers in 1950.
Over 500 years ago, he encouraged teachers
to look upon their students as individuals,
rather than as a group. He talked of
people needing to “touch hearts”.
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“Touching hearts” is about
acknowledging and relating with people as individuals – helping each
person feel that they are noticed and matter, and are significant
and special.
A personal approach or reaction can make all the
difference to an individual, showing that someone is “bothered
enough” to care.
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It is one year since I came into
post and as I set targets for the year ahead, I have what some
call: ‘Pie in the Sky’ ideas, such as hoping that every
parish community will have one advocate to care for
and represent people with disabilities.
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(This is an
ideal that is shared by all who work for and support our charity).
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Hopefully less fanciful is the
goal of “touching hearts.” This goal
includes the following principles: |
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Someone today can be made to
feel “worthwhile” if I call them by their name.
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I can show human warmth and
concern today if I acknowledge individuals
with eye-contact, a
nod, a smile, a word.
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I can “touch someone’s heart” if
I set out to remember what the person says
or does. At another
time I can repeat those personal details, showing that
someone
cares enough about them to remember.
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I can build up people today if I
help them experience success or meaning in
their lives, and feel
good about themselves.
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I can “touch hearts” today if I
compliment individuals.
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I can help raise someone’s
self-esteem today if I show that I respect and appreciate that
individual and bear in mind their own special circumstances.
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Someone today can feel valued if
I invite them to become part of conversation, to become part of
what is going on; setting out to make sure people feel included
rather than excluded.
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You are very welcome to join my
aspiration of “touching hearts” too!!
For in so doing we may begin
to aspire towards reaching for the stars and
the “Pie In the Sky”
Ideals!! |
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