Last Thursday, during Assembly, Kathleen Garone and I had the pleasure of co-presenting a message to the Lower School students about a simple but meaningful idea: clearing your plate.
As we move into the holiday season—when food and tradition are woven into so many celebrations—we used the image of a full plate to help students think about their goals, their friendships, their behavior, and the ways they take care of themselves.
Food is at the heart of many traditions: Thanksgiving, Passover, Christmas, Solstice, Diwali, Easter, Hanukkah, and so many more. At these gatherings, we often hear reminders like, “Remember to clear your plate!” But our focus last week wasn’t on what’s served at the table. It was on the life plate we all carry.
On that plate sit the things that fill their days—classes, social moments, choices, challenges, and moments of self-care. We invited students to think about how they might keep that plate healthy, balanced, and manageable as we enter a busy time of year.
Refreshing Goals — Adding New Favorites
Just as we may try a new food at a holiday meal, this season is a wonderful time for students to add a new goal to their “goal plate.”
Read a little more.
- Keep practicing math facts.
- Be brave enough to raise a hand in class.
- Practice a breathing exercise every day.
Renewing Friendships — Making Space for Compassion and Empathy
We reminded students that friendships have a place on their plates, too. Some friendships feel familiar and comforting. Others get crowded or a little messy. This is a good moment to “clear the plate” by letting go of small frustrations, offering apologies, or inviting someone new to join a game.
We also shared an important reminder: sometimes a friend may want to load something onto your plate that doesn’t feel good. Friendship should always feel safe, respectful, and kind.
Checking Behavior — Tidying Up the Plate
Just as plates get messy, behavior can, too.
- Maybe listening slipped this week.
- Maybe patience ran short.
- Maybe someone forgot to give a classmate space.
We encouraged students to pause and ask themselves: “What can I clean up? What can I do better tomorrow?”
Taking Care of Yourself — Filling the Plate Wisely
Finally, we talked about the self-care plate—the one that holds sleep, outdoor time, quiet moments, and activities that make us feel grounded. Kathleen led us all through a breathing exercise.
We reminded students that it’s always okay to say, “Thank you, but no thank you—I have enough on my plate right now.” Protecting one’s energy and well-being helps everything else fall into place.
As we move further into this season of celebration, reflection, and tradition, and the new year, we hope our students carry this metaphor with them: clear what doesn’t serve you, keep what nourishes you, and leave space for what helps you grow.
