As we embark on an new academic year at GIS, our goal remains the same:  to foster a culture of growth and wellbeing. It is important to explore the powerful role that gratitude plays in our lives. While school can often bring its challenges—academic pressures, social complexities, and personal struggles—it is through cultivating gratitude that we can transform these difficulties into opportunities for growth. Research shows that gratitude has a profound impact on wellbeing, not only enhancing mental and emotional health but also improving academic performance and social relationships (Emmons & McCullough, 2003).

Gratitude, at its core, is the act of acknowledging and appreciating the good in our lives, no matter how small. For students, this could mean expressing thanks for supportive friends, a teacher who offers extra help, or even the opportunity to learn and grow each day. This practice of gratitude encourages students to shift their focus away from stress and challenges, and instead, toward the positive elements of their experiences. When students regularly engage in gratitude practices, they develop a more optimistic and resilient outlook, which in turn helps them thrive academically and socially.

In school,  gratitude serves as a powerful tool for enhancing student wellbeing and engagement. Acknowledging even the smallest victories can provide a much-needed counterbalance to the pressures students face daily. Gratitude has been shown to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and foster a greater sense of connection with peers and educators alike (Wood, Froh, & Geraghty, 2010). At GIS, we encourage students to incorporate gratitude into their daily routines—whether through journaling, sharing positive reflections in class, or participating in community activities that celebrate collective achievements.

One of the key elements of thriving is maintaining a mindset of resilience and hope, even during times of difficulty. By focusing on what they are grateful for, students learn to reframe challenges as moments of growth, rather than as insurmountable obstacles. This aligns with the values we hold dear at GIS—respect, trust, and ambition for all —as gratitude fosters respect for oneself and others, trust in the process of learning, and the ambition to move forward, even in the face of adversity.

Furthermore, gratitude fosters a positive school environment where students are more likely to support one another, celebrate each other's successes, and work collaboratively. This practice aligns seamlessly with the IB's emphasis on international-mindedness, as students develop an appreciation for diverse perspectives and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

As we move through the academic year, let us continue to encourage a culture of gratitude at GIS. From small acts of kindness to larger moments of reflection, gratitude can be woven into every aspect of school life. By creating spaces where students feel safe to express their appreciation—whether in advisory sessions, classroom discussions, or extracurricular activities—we can help them build a mindset that turns struggles into stepping stones toward growth and flourishing.