At Riverbend Academy, we base our expectations for student behaviour on the 3Rs:
- Respect for Self
- Regard for Others
- Responsibility for Your Actions
However, students learn that the seeming simplicity of the 3Rs has a deeper root.
Respect for Self
Respect for self means that you like yourself. You can look yourself in the mirror, eye to eye, and say, “I like myself”. You know you are a good person who always puts forth the best you have to bring out the best in others.
You have confidence in yourself and know you are capable of doing anything you put your mind to.
You take care of yourself, physically, mentally, spiritually because you are important. You count. You have a lot to offer the world and taking care of yourself will give you the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.
You stand up for yourself because your opinion counts. However, you balance that with empathy and caring. You respect yourself and your desire to learn so you are always willing to learn something from others. You listen more than you speak. Your self-esteem allows you the confidence to know you don’t have to force your opinion on others.
You respect yourself to not settle for anything in life you don’t want. You know you can be yourself and discover your passion in life. Your confidence will allow you to discover how you can make a living from that passion.
You respect yourself enough to stand up to your peers and not be convinced to do something that is not in your best interests.
You are a leader.
Regard for Others
You understand that your actions say more than your words ever will – and your focus is to treat others with the respect and regard you hope to receive.
The goals, desires and needs of others are important to you. You help others succeed and prosper. You genuinely recognize the achievements of others, even when they exceed your own. You are slow to judge and quick to offer assistance. You always ask, “what can I do for them?” and never, “what can they do for me?”
You listen more than you speak and strive to be empathetic.
You make others feel better about themselves and never elevate yourself by lowering others. You know that, by empowering others, you grow and develop.
You offer your strength, support, and love to everyone.
You settle disputes by mutual benefit rather than confrontation or the desire to win at all costs. The desired result of each negotiation is a win/win.
Responsibility for Your Actions
Taking responsibility for your actions means you admit your mistakes and don’t look to blame others. You learn from your mistakes to better yourself. Even with situations that are out of your control and “not your fault”, you take responsibility for your reactions, trying to remain positive and find something to be thankful for in all situations.
You don’t make excuses but face challenges and prevent little problems from becoming big ones.
Taking responsibility empowers you to shape the outcome of events and your life. We are responsible for our success and failure and this reduces stress by giving us power and control.
Every agreement you make with others is an agreement with yourself. If you don’t follow through on your commitments, you learn to distrust yourself. You lose confidence, self-esteem, and self-respect, questioning your ability to complete tasks. You weaken your own integrity, opening the door to more failure. Integrity is everything to you and you demonstrate that by your actions.
Success In Life
In the end, the 3Rs of Riverbend are about developing the highest character you can achieve. It is about loving yourself, loving others, and being determined to do the most for yourself, your community, and the world.
It is rising above and making a difference.