My principal asked me to do a write-up on the following. So I did.
Many of our students face multiple problems at home. Hence, school becomes more than a place to gain knowledge and skills. It needs to be a safe haven when they build strong relationships with adults who believe in them.
At NorthLight School, we believe in our students’ ability to triumph over their personal circumstances. We organise a GRIT (Growing Resilience In Teens) camp designed to boost their confidence and coping strategies. Through this and other programmes, we want them to “see vitality in themselves” (Joseph Campbell). Under our guidance, students transform into inspiring bearers of light.
As they grow into independent young men and women, our students start to lead their families and communities. They shine light into others’ lives - and the ripple effects of their positivity become an uplifting force, benefitting society at large.
This is why at NorthLight School, we say, “The Darker It Gets, The Brighter It Shines”. This is why the ‘L’ in NorthLight is capitalised: to remind students of the bright light that lies within them, ready to serve as their North Star.
Writing Considerations
  • kept it short (about 200 words)
  • used plain words (good for emotional resonance & memory retention)
  • focused on relationships (the most important predictor of happiness is whether we have close relationships. I want the kids to know that they already have what it takes to be happy)
  • included GRIT & ‘the darker it gets, the brighter it shines’ (helps kids see that the things we do are part of an interconnected whole)
  • referenced Joseph Campbell (tagging a well-known quotation helps in memory recall)
  • wrote about the link between ‘North’ & ‘Light’ in the last line (hope it packs a rousing emotional punch)