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My daughter’s school recently had their annual School Prize Giving, and she was fortunate enough to receive an award (the Manaakitanga Award for kindness, empathy, friendliness, and a whole bunch of other amazing things that she achieved during the year – so proud of her).
Over the last few days, however, I have heard a few people say that at several different schools the policy was to NOT have a prize giving.
This was because the school didn’t want to single children out.
I find this a little bit bizarre as I do believe children should be rewarded for their achievements, and I feel that it’s political correctness gone crazy.
Yes participation is amazing but at most that’s mandatory. Participation for me WAS an achievement because for me there were SO many things I didn’t want to do at school haha. However we all know there is going to be someone who excels, and works harder, at something more than others and personally I think it’s great that it is recognised.
There is always a runner who is faster than everyone else; there is always a child who is academically smarter; there is always a child who has grown the most in a year.
These children have worked hard for this and their achievements deserve to be recognised.
Before I dropped Chloe off at school, she said “Mum I really want to win a prize” – at that point she had no idea she was going to win one (but I knew), so I said to her:
“Chloe, it doesn’t matter if you don’t win a prize; not everyone will. It is really important, however, to be happy for those who do win“.
Winning a prize and NOT WINNING a prize are both life lessons, and I want my children to learn them. I want my children to know that sometimes they will excel, and sometimes others will excel.
Participating is freaking amazing, but sometimes it’s about more than that and I am glad our local school recognises the achievements that students have made.
I believe achievements in life should always be encouraged and rewarded.
What do you think? Do you agree with prize givings or think they shouldn’t be around?
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