Each newsletter we will be sharing a virtue that will be the focus in our school over the following three weeks.  

What is Patience? Patience is quiet hope and trust, expecting things to turn out all right.  Patience is being calm and tolerant when difficult things happen.  It means showing acceptance when you or others make mistakes.  Patience is doing something now so that later it will bear fruit, like planting a seed and waiting for it to grow.  Patience is a commitment to the future.

Why Practice it? Without patience people want everything NOW.  They complain when unpleasant things cannot be helped.  They act mad when things don't go their way.  When people practice patience, they can wait without complaining.  They forgive others and themselves for mistakes.  They make the world a kinder, gentler place.

How do you practice it? Practicing patience is accepting things you cannot control, like the way other people act, or even an illness or handicap you have to live with.  Patience is waiting without complaining.  When you are patient, you show gentleness when you or others make mistakes.  You set goals and persevere until your goals are won.  You picture the end in the beginning.  You know that good things take time.

Signs of Success Congratulations!  Your are practicing patience when you...

• Calmly tolerate a delay or confusion.
• Are willing to wait for things you want.
• Set goals and stick with them until they are finished.
• Do something now that will help you in the future.
• Accept things you cannot change with humour and grace.
• Are tolerant when mistakes are made.

"Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish."  John Quincy Adams