Character Strengths and their Importance in Life

Walking in the hallways of our school is an adventure. In just a few meters, you may witness small groups collaborating on a joint project, reading buddies helping each other as they decode a story together, a teacher working one-to-one with someone who is struggling, some children singing and dancing while others are building a model during quiet time; and lots and lots of laughs. This is because, aside from teaching academics, a significant goal at Eton is raising children with character.

Character building is essential to help students understand their feelings, care about others, and act ethically and responsibly, both locally and globally. Our social and emotional program aims to provide safety, enable connections and relationships, and model problem-solving and decision-making.

In a complex time where anxiety and stress can be overwhelming, we need to nurture our students’ hearts and minds and help them develop a determined will by modeling and providing opportunities to practice character strengths such as self-confidence, empathy, self-control, integrity, curiosity, perseverance, and optimism.

From seeing the best in others, putting the brakes on impulses, realizing that mistakes are opportunities to learn, thinking outside the box, and learning to bounce back when we fall, we are creating a generation of thrivers that will change the world for the better.

Sylvia Karam
Academic Director and Early Elementary Principal