From the Primary School
Emma Clemens – Deputy Head of Primary
Growing Happiness – Part 1
I recently read a book called ‘The How of Happiness’ by Sonja Lyubomirsky. Sonya is a professor of psychology at the University of California. She begins the book by stating that the science of happiness is a serious, legitimate and worthy aim. The science of happiness is part of a growing body of research called ‘positive psychology’. The premise of the science of happiness is that we can develop a positive state of mind to live a happy and rewarding life. However, often we look for happiness in the wrong places. Scientific research has determined that there are three important factors that determine happiness. These are represented in the pie chart below.
Your happiness set point is genetically determined. This set point affects 50% of your happiness. The understanding of this phenomenon comes from research done on identical and fraternal twins. This research indicates that the happiness set point originates from your biological mother or father or both. This creates a baseline for your happiness.
Surprisingly, circumstances only determine 10% of happiness. Life circumstances include whether you are wealthy or poor, healthy or unhealthy, married or single and so on. The hedonic adaptation is the scientific term used to explain that trying to become happier by changing your life situation has limited long term effect. Human beings are adept at quickly adjusting to psychological or sensory changes, for example cold or hot weather, smells or sounds. The ability to adjust applies to ‘hedonic shifts’ which include relocations, marriages, illness and job changes. “Humans adapt to favourable changes in wealth, housing and possessions, to being beautiful or being surrounded by beauty, to good health and even to marriage” (Sonja Lyubomirsky).
A study in the 1970s involved interviews with winners of $50 000 and $1 million in the Illinois State Lottery. Less than a year after winning the lottery, the participants reported being no happier than before their windfall. This explains why hedonic adaptation occurs. Firstly, rising aspirations mean that you experience a ‘creeping normality’ where you are no longer satisfied with your life circumstances and begin striving for more. Secondly, social comparison means that you constantly measure and contemplate your situation in relation to others.
The remaining 40% of the pie chart is impacted by our behaviour based on intentional activity. Therefore, “the key to happiness is not in changing our genetic makeup and not in changing our circumstances, but in our daily intentional activities” (Sonja Lyubomirsky). This is a very empowering concept as it means 40% of our happiness is within our control. “Happiness consists in activity. It is a running stream, not a stagnant pool” (John Mason Good). This concept is taught explicitly in our Paws b Mindfulness program. Students learn about skills and activities that will help them to ‘grow happiness’.
In my next Ma Nishma articles I will write about five strategies that can be used to change you and your child’s happiness levels using intentional activity. These five strategies are listed below:
- Practising gratitude and positive thinking
- Investing in social connections
- Managing stress and hardship
- Committing to your goals
- Taking care of your body and your soul.
Netball Schools Cup Metro Finals
On Tuesday 1 August, Year 6 students competed in the Mixed Netball competition in the NSW Sydney Metro Finals. There were 14 teams that participated in the competition. The Emanuel team played incredibly well. They won their first 2 games and then lost their last 3 games which meant they came 6th overall. Thank you to Adam Ezekiel for organising the event and to Stuart Taylor and Nicole Brandes for accompanying the students and coaching them throughout the day.
HICES Debating
This Friday, Alix Cane, Jake Newfield, Oren Levin-Kahn and Miriam Stubbs-Goulston competed against Broughton Anglican School in the HICES Debating competition. The team was selected to be involved in this competition after outstanding results in the Regional Rounds. The students will have 1 hour to prepare on an unseen topic before they competed against Broughton Anglican School. We look forward to hearing the result. Thank you to Lauren Wigan for coaching the students, organising the event and her enthusiastic support throughout the debating season.
Athletics Carnival
Last Friday Years 3-6 children and staff attended the Primary Athletics Carnival. It was a beautiful sunny day and a wonderful time of sporting excitement and House spirit. We began with the 800m races. Students then competed in the Field events before racing the 100m and 200m races. The House Captains did a wonderful job leading their Houses in team chants and war cries. It was lovely to see so many students participating, working towards a personal best and enjoying the day. Thank you to Stuart Taylor for all the organisation and planning leading up to the day and for running the carnival in such a smooth and professional manner.
Dates and events
BBQ and Crazy Hair Day
When: Monday 21 August
Why: Raising money for Prince of Wales Children’s Hospital
Cost: $3.50 for sausage sizzle
Booking: On the day, students need to bring a sealed envelope with the correct money inside (no change will be given). On the front, please write the child’s name and the order. The options are listed below:
Canteen: The canteen will be closed and it is requested that students do not bring dairy.
- Sausage sizzle $3.50
- Gluten free sausage sizzle $3.50
- Vegetarian sausage sizzle $3.50
Circle Of Friendship Day
When: Monday 29 August
Why: Raising money for Sydney Friendship Circle
Cost: Gold coin donation
Dress: Plain clothes day, purple theme
Calendar Links
Term 3 K-2 Assembly Items
- 11 August (Week 4): 1B Miss Hynek’s Class
- 25 August (Week 6): YK Hebrew
- 8 September (Week 8): KH Ms Yunis’ Class
Rosh Hashanah
- 20 September, School closes at 1.00 pm, Erev Rosh Hashanah
- 21 and 22 September, School closed for Rosh Hashanah