To be Human

As we celebrate Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Gurupurab this month, we share the inspiration behind our Habits of Work and Learning that guide the MPA community in becoming the best version of themselves.

When we began the visioning process for MPA 2023, we wanted our design principles to be grounded in our faith in Sikh philosophy. We also knew that we wanted our students and staff to feel a deep connection with whatever they were doing at MPA.

While we were at the XP School in Doncaster, we experienced first-hand their Habits of Work and Learning. We also saw how beautifully and effectively these were used to drive the positive culture at their school. After Japjeet Kaur, Prem Kaur and I returned from our visit, we knew that MPA needed its own Habits of Work and Learning. This is when we began to read, research and deeply understand Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s philosophy behind Naam Japo (ਨਾਮ ਜਪੋ), Kirat Karo (ਕਿਰਤ ਕਰੋ) and Vand Chhako ( ਵਂਡ ਛਕੋ). The more we understood it, the more we connected with it and MPA’s Habits of Work and Learning took shape.

MPA’S habits of work and learning

Meditate and Self-Reflect – Naam Japo (ਨਾਮ ਜਪੋ)

I connect with myself and become neutral before beginning any activity
I cultivate my spirit through contemplative practice
I always try to see the best in others
I recognize the power of my words

Work Hard – Kirat Karo (ਕਿਰਤ ਕਰੋ)

I arrive for each class on time and prepared
I apply myself 100% to every activity
I take responsibility for my learning by asking questions and seeking help when needed

I work to better understand myself
I welcome feedback and revise my work

Share with Others – Vand Chhako ( ਵਂਡ ਛਕੋ)

I work cooperatively with others
I take care of shared resources and act as a steward of our community
I look for opportunities to share my time, attention and resources with others

Our hope is that by the time students graduate from MPA, they can experience the power of Naam Japna (ਨਾਮ ਜਪਣਾ), Kirat Karna (ਕਿਰਤ ਕਰਨਾ ) and Vand Chhakna ( ਵਂਡ ਛਕਣਾ ) to become agents of positive change for themselves and for the community.

Sat Nam!

Kirandeep Kaur,
Academic Principal