Living the Dragon Learner Profile Traits Every Day
At KAS, we focus on helping students grow into well-rounded, globally-minded individuals. Part of this growth comes from demonstrating 10 learner profile traits that align with the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework. These traits aren’t just ideas we talk about—they’re part of daily life and learning at KAS.
- Caring
- Communicators
- Inquirers
- Risk-takers
- Thinkers
- Principled
- Open-minded
- Balanced
- Reflective
- Knowledgeable
As an IB World School, these learner traits are woven into our lessons and school activities. They’re part of our unit and lesson planners. As our learners grow into them, they also help us make a positive impact outside of school, in our communities and in the world. Good communication, for example, is important for resolving conflicts, understanding different views, and taking action together on local and global issues.
“Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning.”
– Maya Angelou
A September Focus on Communication
If you were to visit our school this month, step into a classroom, or attend an assembly, you’d likely hear a lot about being a good Communicator, which is our Learner Profile of the Month.
In September, our teachers are helping students focus on three key communication skills: active listening, clear and confident speaking, and constructive feedback.
- Active Listening: When you’re in a conversation, give your full attention to the person speaking. Ask thoughtful questions and respond in a way that shows you understand their point of view.
- Clear and Confident Speaking: Whether you’re in class, working on a project, or talking with friends, focus on sharing your thoughts in a clear and confident way.
- Constructive Feedback: Learn how to give feedback that’s respectful and helpful, and when you get feedback, take it as a chance to improve.
These skills are essential for communicating well. Whether in elementary, middle or high school, our students, teachers, staff and the entire community are practicing these strategies daily. Being an effective communicator means you can stand up for yourself, work well with others and make sure your ideas are shared and understood.
Learning from One Another
Last month, when our focus was on Caring, we celebrated students like Katharine, Isabella and Jasper in middle school, who embodied this trait at school.
“Being caring affects a lot in our lives, if we aren’t caring, we would have everyone doing their own things, with no one supporting one another.
In that way, the world would be a mess, with everyone trying to solve their own problems that may be beyond what they can do. But if we all are caring, we can help others who are struggling, and in our own weaknesses, we can receive help from others! Let’s all be caring altogether, to make this world a safer environment!”
– Katharine (Grade 6)“Caring is important. When you don’t care about others, they could be hurt and helpless. I’m a transfer student, and on the first day of school, I was nervous, but my peer leader, Lisa, showed a lot of caring to me. This was when I realized that when you show care to others, they will show care back. To me, caring is to share and show kindness. Caring also means showing empathy to others. Open your caring heart and care for the people who need help.”
– Isabella (Grade 7)
Katharaine and Isabella’s reflections show us that these traits aren’t just ideas but are important for building a supportive community. They remind us that learning from each other helps us all grow.
As we focus on communication this month, let’s keep challenging ourselves and each other. Together, as KAS Dragons, we are committed to living out these values every day and working towards a future where our traits help make the world a more connected, understanding and peaceful place.