From the Principal Leader

Dear students, staff, parents, carers, and friends of Chisholm,

I would like to share with you my Principals’ address from the Assembly today regarding our focus on continuing to build a safe, respectful, and inclusive community where all members of our learning and faith community feel a strong sense of belonging and are valued.

‘At Caroline Chisholm College, we are proud to be a school community that places people at the centre of everything we do. As we continue our journey together this year, I want to speak about three values that are essential to who we are and who we strive to become: being safe, respectful and inclusive. This week at our year meetings, every year group heard from your Year Leader about what this means for you at your stage of growth and development, and how we can all work together to do our best as members of a learning and faith community.

You may have noticed new posters around the college about this theme and our college expectations. These are not simply words displayed on posters or written in policies. They are expectations that shape our daily actions, our relationships and our culture as a Catholic learning community. Everyone matters, and we all share the responsibility of ensuring we feel safe, respected and connected to others in our community.

Firstly, we must always ensure that our College is a safe place for everyone. Every student has the right to feel physically, emotionally and spiritually safe when they walk through our gates each morning. Safety means looking after ourselves, looking after one another and making responsible choices. It means speaking up when something is wrong, supporting others who may be struggling, and understanding that our words and actions have power.

A safe community is one where students feel confident to learn, to participate and to grow. Each of us has a responsibility to contribute to that environment - in the classroom, in the playground, online and in the wider community. The way we treat each other matters.

Secondly, respect must be at the heart of all we do. Respect is shown in the way we speak, the way we listen and the way we respond to others, especially when we may disagree. It is about valuing every individual and recognising the dignity of each person.

At times, respect can be demonstrated in small but meaningful ways - greeting others warmly, listening attentively, wearing our uniform with pride, caring for our environment and showing gratitude to teachers, staff and classmates. These actions build a culture where people feel valued and connected.

As a Catholic school inspired by the example of Caroline Chisholm, we are reminded of the importance of compassion, service and care for others. Caroline Chisholm dedicated her life to supporting people in need, welcoming others and creating opportunities for those who felt vulnerable or excluded. Her example challenges us to think not only about ourselves, but about the impact we have on those around us.

Finally, inclusion is fundamental to our identity as a community. Every person at this College deserves to feel that they belong. Our differences - our backgrounds, talents, personalities, cultures and perspectives - strengthen our community and enrich our learning.

Inclusion means ensuring that nobody feels left out, ignored or unseen. It means inviting others in, celebrating diversity and creating opportunities for everyone to contribute. It also means having the courage to stand against unkindness, discrimination or exclusion whenever we encounter it.

As Principal, I am incredibly proud of the many ways our students already demonstrate these values each day. I see students supporting one another in classrooms, encouraging one another on the sporting field, welcoming new students, and contributing positively to College life. These moments matter, and they help define the spirit of our College.

As a Catholic school community at Caroline Chisholm College, our commitment to being safe, respectful and inclusive is deeply grounded in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the mission of the Church.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus reminds us:

“Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34)

This call to love is at the centre of our relationships with one another. It challenges us to show kindness, patience, compassion and forgiveness in our daily interactions. When we create a safe environment, we are living out Christ’s command to care for one another with dignity and respect.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches:

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)

These words remind us that every person matters. Every student deserves to feel welcomed, valued and included within our community. As people of faith, we are called to notice those who may feel isolated, anxious or excluded and to respond with compassion and understanding.

Our Catholic tradition also teaches that every human person is created in the image and likeness of God. This belief is the foundation of Catholic Social Teaching and reminds us that every individual possesses inherent dignity and worth. Because of this, respect is not optional - it is our collective responsibility.

Doing this is sometimes not as easy as it sounds. Maintaining a safe, respectful and inclusive environment requires commitment from every member of our community, every day. Each interaction is an opportunity to build others up, to lead positively and to make a difference.

I encourage all students to reflect on the role they play in shaping our College culture. Ask yourself:

Am I contributing to a safe environment?
Am I showing respect in my words and actions?
Am I helping others feel included and valued?

If we can each answer “yes” to these questions, we will together continue to strengthen the wonderful community we are building here at Caroline Chisholm College.

Thank you for the beautiful ways you, as members of the College's staff and students, contribute to the College's special culture each day. Let us continue to work together to ensure that our community remains one where every person feels safe, respected and included, where we all feel connected and valued.

Thank you to everyone for being kind in your words, showing compassion and empathy in your actions, and reaching out to someone who looks lost or alone. Keep up the wonderful work, Chisholm, so everyone feels that they truly belong.

May God continue to bless you on your journey.

Mrs Tania Cairns

Principal Leader