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A Habit of Making Good Choices



We address boys' character development and wellbeing in several ways: in daily chapel, in our emphasis on manners and the social graces, and through our Sophrosyne classes.

Sophrosyne, an ancient Greek virtue that translates as "excellence of character and healthy state of mind," is characterized by self control, moderation, and awareness of one's true self.  At last Friday's Parents Association Meeting,  Upper School Sophrosyne Coordinator Dr. Evan Morse discussed how the Upper School program (see clip above) helps our boys cultivate virtue - the habit of making safe and ethical decisions - and engages them in moral introspection, which is central to our school's mission.

Some of our work in Sophrosyne is done through our partnership with Common Sense Media and centers around digital citizenship. We also embed it in classes throughout the program, as when seventh and eighth graders study Plato's Republic and debate the core question "Why be good?"

Self knowledge is at the heart of Sophrosyne. When our boys know who they are and respect themselves, they gain the tools needed to respect others and difference in all of its manifestations. "...That they be good men."


For more information about Saint David's School, visit www.saintdavids.org
To see the full archive of past blog posts, please go to: pdavidohalloran.blogspot.com

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