As we step into a new year, many of us find ourselves reflecting on goals and setting intentions for the year ahead. At Concord Hill, this spirit of reflection and purpose is a cornerstone of our program, particularly in our approach to leadership development. From guiding younger students as class buddies to solving real-world challenges in collaborative projects, leadership is woven into every aspect of our program. In Second Grade, students deepen their understanding of leadership in a dedicated class taught by the Head of School, using the principles of Leader in Me and the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. By Third Grade, these lessons expand to include opportunities for students to take on visible leadership roles, such as leading Community Meetings and mentoring their younger peers.

Over the past few weeks, our Third Graders have been working on crafting personal mission statements. This exercise challenges them to reflect on their values, set goals, and think about the impact they want to have on the world around them. They drew inspiration from changemakers like Malala Yousafzai and Cesar Chavez, exploring how personal values guide actions. They also connected their goals to Concord Hill’s Four Cs—Care, Connection, Curiosity, and Courage—which anchor our community and program.

These mission statements, shared at our first Community Meeting of the year, capture the individuality of our students while reflecting the shared values of our community. Some focus on kindness and empathy:

• “I will be kind and caring. I will help others by listening and standing up for what is right. I will work hard to keep the world a healthy and happy place.”
• “I will help others by cheering them up if they are sad. I will work hard to try my best in school, be helpful, be kind, and make the world a better place.”

Others emphasize creativity and problem-solving:

• “I will be a creative person and help others by making them think.”
• “I will help others by sharing knowledge. I will work hard to help others.”

And some reflect a commitment to global and environmental stewardship:

• “I will help others by taking care of the Earth. I will work hard to make the world a better place for everyone.”

Crafting a personal mission statement encourages students to think deeply about who they are, what they care about, and how they can contribute to the world. It fosters self-awareness, goal setting, and a sense of purpose—skills that will serve them not just in Fourth Grade but throughout their lives.

As we embrace the new year, we invite our community to reflect on the goals and values that guide us. What is your personal mission? How can you bring more care, connection, curiosity, and courage into your life and the lives of others? At Concord Hill, we’re proud to see our students, from an early age, thoughtfully exploring these big ideas and proving that leadership is built on curiosity, care, and a sense of purpose.