LifeREADY

Beyond Character Building

Our Rationale

At InnovOak School, we prioritize supporting the character traits and basic values that are universally important to all families and cultures. Our focus is on teaching and reinforcing the fundamental societal norms that parents establish at home.

This includes instilling practices such as using polite expressions like "please" and "thank you," demonstrating respect towards institutions, elders, and authority figures, learning how to greet others, developing friendship skills, and understanding how to engage respectfully in new situations or express disagreement.

We seize teachable moments to help each student develop their understanding of what is socially appropriate in Canadian society. Manners and etiquette also play a role in our coaching and guidance, as we aim to equip students with the ability to act appropriately in various situations, whether it's a job interview or showing thoughtfulness towards others, such as holding a door open. Our goal is to foster thoughtfulness and sincerity, shaping students to become considerate and genuine members of our society.

Additionally, we emphasize civil and social responsibility as well as democratic citizenship through our curriculum and school-wide projects.

Throughout a student’s career at InnovOak, there will be a continuous focus on character education, including etiquette and manners, virtue and character development, personal branding, and societal values. The curriculum, activities, and discussions will help students develop a strong sense of personal identity, empathy, ethical decision-making, and active participation in their communities.

The Skillsets We Focus On

  • Etiquette and Manners

    • Basic table manners and dining etiquette 

    • Greeting others with respect and kindness 

    • Using polite expressions like "please" and "thank you" 

    • Showing gratitude and appreciation for others 

    Virtue and Character Development

    • Introduction to virtues such as kindness, honesty, respect, and empathy 

    • Engaging in activities that promote character traits 

    • Practicing acts of kindness and compassion in daily interactions 

    • Understanding the importance of fairness and justice 

    Personal Branding

    • Developing a positive self-image and self-confidence 

    • Understanding the importance of personal values and beliefs 

    • Expressing oneself authentically and respectfully 

    • Developing strong self-awareness and self-reflection skills 

    Societal Values

    • Exploring concepts of fairness, sharing, and cooperation 

    • Recognizing the value of diversity and inclusivity 

    • Understanding the importance of community and social responsibility 

    • Promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship 

  • Etiquette and Manners

    • Advanced table manners and dining etiquette 

    • Demonstrating appropriate behavior in public settings 

    • Practicing effective communication and active listening skills 

    • Showing empathy and understanding towards others 

    Virtue and Character Development

    • Exploring a wider range of virtues and their applications 

    • Reflecting on virtues in personal and social contexts 

    • Practicing ethical decision-making and responsible actions 

    • Cultivating resilience and perseverance in challenging situations 

    Personal Branding

    • Developing personal values and beliefs 

    • Identifying strengths and areas for growth 

    • Setting goals and demonstrating perseverance 

    • Building effective communication and interpersonal skills 

    Societal Values

    • Understanding the importance of empathy and compassion 

    • Promoting respect for diversity and inclusion 

    • Engaging in community service and collaborative projects 

    • Nurturing a sense of global citizenship and cultural understanding 

  • Etiquette and Manners: 

    • Advanced social etiquette in various settings 

    • Practicing effective communication in different contexts 

    • Demonstrating professionalism and etiquette in digital interactions 

    • Displaying good sportsmanship and teamwork in group activities 

    Virtue and Character Development: 

    • Exploring virtues of integrity, honesty, and justice 

    • Applying critical thinking to ethical dilemmas 

    • Engaging in reflective practices to strengthen character 

    • Cultivating leadership skills and ethical decision-making abilities 

    Personal Branding: 

    • Developing personal mission and vision statements 

    • Building a positive online presence and digital citizenship 

    • Understanding the role of personal branding in academic and professional pursuits 

    • Developing networking skills and creating meaningful connections 

    Societal Values: 

    • Promoting social justice and equality 

    • Advocating for sustainable practices and environmental stewardship 

    • Participating in social initiatives and community engagement 

    • Fostering a sense of social responsibility and civic engagement 

  • Etiquette and Manners: 

    • Mastering professional etiquette and workplace behavior 

    • Practicing effective communication and networking skills 

    • Understanding cultural sensitivity and global etiquette 

    • Demonstrating proper etiquette in formal events and professional settings 

    Virtue and Character Development: 

    • Exploring virtues of leadership, resilience, and empathy 

    • Applying ethical principles to complex situations 

    • Engaging in service-learning and social entrepreneurship 

    • Developing a strong moral compass and ethical leadership skills 

    Personal Branding: 

    • Building a personal brand aligned with values and goals 

    • Developing skills in self-presentation and personal marketing 

    • Nurturing a professional online presence and personal branding strategy 

    • Cultivating a growth mindset and embracing lifelong learning 

    Societal Values: 

    • Analyzing and critiquing societal norms and systems 

    • Advocating for social change and social justice issues 

    • Promoting responsible citizenship and civic engagement 

    • Cultivating a sense of global awareness and fostering intercultural understanding