What is Character Education?

Character education is a deliberate, intentional, and systematic effort to nurture and foster in students positive, universal virtues that transcend racial, religious and socio-economic lines. These virtues or traits such as respect, responsibility, caring, cooperation and integrity are fundamental to the development of good character, It is about helping our students learn and practice character attributes which will help them not only do their best, but also be their best.

To be effective, it must be a whole-school effort. It is a shared responsibility. There is also a need for family, community and schools to engage cooperatively to encourage students' learning and maturing as social beings. Students are at the centre of all that we do.

Character education, at its best, permeates the entire life of the school as it is woven into policies, programs, practices, procedures, and interactions. It is a way of life. It recognizes that a respectful, safe and orderly school climate enhances learning. We want students to develop self-discipline and personal management skills that will make their communities, workplaces and lives the best that they can be. Together we can make this happen.

Monthly Themes for Character Education

September - Respect
October - Responsibility
November - Empathy
December - Kindness & Caring
January - Teamwork
February - Fairness
March - Honesty
April - Co-operation
May - Integrity

June - Perseverance

What are the 7 Grandfather Teachings?

The Seven Grandfather Teachings are a set of Anishinaabe (Ojibwe/Chippewa) guiding principles that represent the core values for living a good and balanced life. These teachings are deeply rooted in Indigenous cultures across Turtle Island (North America), especially among the Anishinaabe people, and are often shared through stories, ceremonies, and oral traditions. The purpose of the teachings are to guide people to live in harmony with themselves, each other and nature and the spirit world. Along with character education, the 7 grandfather teachings promotoes community well-being and teach children how to grown into responsible, respectful adults.

The 7 Grandfather Teachings

Each teaching is represented by an animal, symbolizing the unique qualities of that value.

1. Wisdom (Nbwaakaawin) – Be wise in your decisions and actions.
   🦉 Animal: Beaver – known for its intelligence and problem-solving.
   Purpose: Use knowledge and experience to make good choices and help others.
2. Love (Zaagidwin) – Love yourself and others unconditionally.
   🐦 Animal: Eagle – flies the highest and sees all with love and perspective.
   Purpose: Love connects and heals; it is the foundation of unity and peace.
3. Respect (Mnaadendimowin) – Honor all creation and others’ beliefs.
   🐢 Animal: Buffalo – gives every part of itself for others.
   Purpose: Treat all life with dignity; no being is greater than another.
4. Bravery (Aakode’ewin) – Face your fears and stand up for what’s right.
   🐻 Animal: Bear – protector of family and symbol of courage.
   Purpose: Courage means doing what’s right even when it’s difficult.
5. Honesty (Gwayakwaadiziwin) – Be truthful with yourself and others.
   🦅 Animal: Sabe (Sasquatch/Bigfoot) – mythical being that represents integrity.
   Purpose: Live in truth and align your actions with your values.
6. Humility (Dbaadendiziwin) – Know you are a small part of a larger whole.
   🐺 Animal: Wolf – lives for the pack, not the self.
   Purpose: Avoid arrogance; recognize your place in the world with gratitude.
7. Truth (Debwewin) – Live your truth and seek understanding.
   🐢 Animal: Turtle – carries the truth of life and creation.
   Purpose: Truth comes when all other teachings are understood and practiced.

Here at Kennedy, our students are taught how to be of strong character through both character education and the 7 grandfather teachings.