The Four R’s – Respect, Relationships, Relevance and Resilience – Guiding Principles for 2024-25 School Year

on September 1, 2024
smiling man in suit and tie

SSCS Superintendent/Principal Thomas Yorke

As SSCS kicks off another great school year we will challenge our students and staff to achieve “authentic success” by focusing on four key principles: Respect – Relationships – Relevance – Resilience.

“We believe that success is not just measured by grades or test scores, but by the growth, resilience and character that our students develop along the way,” said SSCS Superintendent/Principal Thomas Yorke. “Our goal is to nurture the whole child, helping each student to find their path and realize their full potential.”

Let’s take a closer look at our four guiding principles for the 2024-25 school year:

Respect: Respect is the cornerstone of our school community. It is essential that we all, students, staff and families alike, treat each other with kindness and consideration. By fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect we create a safe and supportive environment where all students can thrive. Respect for oneself, respect for others, and respect for our school and community will be guiding values as we move through the school year.

Relationships: We know that positive relationships are critical to student success. Whether it is the bond between a teacher and student, the friendships that are formed between peers, or the partnership between school and home, strong relationships provide the foundation for learning and personal growth. This year we are committed to building and strengthening these connections, ensuring that every student feels valued, supported and understood.

Relevance: Learning becomes truly meaningful when students see the relevance in what they are being taught. We at SSCS are dedicated to providing a curriculum that connects with our students’ lives, interests and future aspirations. By making learning relevant we engage our students more deeply and empower them to take ownership of their education. This year, we will continue to seek out and implement innovative practices that make learning both engaging and purposeful.

Resilience: The ability to overcome challenges is a critical life skill, and one that we will focus on cultivating in our students. Life is full of ups and downs, and resilience is what allows us to persevere in the face of adversity. We will encourage our students to embrace challenges, learn from failures, and develop the grit necessary to keep moving forward. Through this, they will gain the confidence and strength needed to navigate the complexities of life.

“As we embark on this new school year, I invite each of you to join us on this journey,” Yorke said. “Together, we can create a school community where respect, relationships, relevance and resilience are not just words, but lived experiences. Let us work hand in-hand to ensure that every student has the opportunity to achieve authentic success, both at SSCS and beyond.”

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