Teaching empathy and mutual respect
An investment in goodness
Imagine a place where every child feels seen, heard, and valued—not just for their achievements, but for the kindness they show each day. That’s what we strive for at our school. Our motto, “Making Good People,” is our promise to help students become thoughtful, respectful, and empathetic individuals.
Empathy and respect are at the heart of this vision. Empathy means understanding how someone else feels, even if their experience is different from your own. Respect is about treating everyone with care, listening to different ideas, and understanding that every person has value. When children learn these qualities, they become the kind of friends, classmates, and neighbors who make the world a better place.
We believe that teaching these values is an investment—one that pays off now and in the future. Henry David Thoreau wrote, “Goodness is the only investment that never fails.” When children practice goodness, it creates a ripple effect. It can turn a rough day around for a friend, encourage someone who feels left out, or help settle a disagreement with understanding instead of anger.
At Walden, students don’t just hear about empathy and respect; they practice them every day. Whether it’s working together on a project or solving a problem in class, we encourage children to see things from another’s point of view. When challenges come up—as they always do—we guide students to listen, ask questions, and respond with kindness.
Children also learn by watching the people around them. When they see you being patient with a neighbour or listening carefully to a family member, they pick up on those habits. If you make a mistake, showing how you apologize or make things right teaches your child that respect and empathy aren’t about being perfect—they’re about trying your best every day.
There’s a saying, “To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.” Every encouraging word, every effort to understand someone else, helps to create a culture of goodness that lasts.
We are proud to partner with you as we help shape bright minds and big hearts. Together, at home and at school, we are investing in something that truly matters. Goodness never goes out of style, and it’s the one investment that will never let our children down. Let’s keep working together to raise a generation of good people—one act of empathy and respect at a time.