Berry Street Web Docs Berry Street School Annual Report 2013 | Page 14

DOMAIN 4: CHARACTER
Courage. Resiliency. Kindness. Integrity. Gratitude.
Self-Control. Hope.
Our strengths based approach is integral to the TIPE
Model. A ‘strengths philosophy’ describes an approach
that focuses on what is right with an individual or
group. Character strengths are woven throughout
the students’ experiences in the Berry Street School.
Nurturing student strengths is of primary importance
from student induction to end of year celebration,
and from individualised goals to vocational planning.
A strengths focus requires our school to think deeply
about applying strengths and the authenticity of our
strengths dialogue. Our big goal: Every student leaves
the Berry Street School able to articulate, practice, and
employ their signature character strengths for their
present and future wellbeing and accomplishment.

Examples from the Berry Street School:
• Explicitly giving students opportunities to identify
and spot strengths
• Teaching strengths through storytelling, strengths
assessments, public recognition, and using
strengths language
• Determining personal values and character
strengths study in literacy class
• Framing student/staff conversations, debriefs, and
reflections with character strengths
• Relating strengths to future pathways
• Recognising strengths in the context of Aboriginal
communities, such as the Rumbalara Aboriginal
Cooperative Cultural Program in Shepparton
• Inviting programs like Courage to Care, which
introduced our students to survivors of the
Holocaust, which lead to discussion themes of
courage, resiliency, and gratitude
• Connecting student leadership opportunities to
strengths

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