Principal's Report

Welcome to our third newsletter of the term and a focus on our third new value, Integrity. 

Integrity speaks to the quality and value of honesty and having a strong moral principle. At our school, we put high value in both knowing what is 'right' and doing what is 'right'. 

Earlier in the year, I was invited to speak to our Year 6 students as they progressed through a unit of inquiry on leadership that included the nomination and selection process for school leaders. I spoke to integrity at the time, particularly to showing integrity in doing the right thing, even when nobody is watching.

That last phrase, even when nobody is watching, is critical to integrity. Sometimes we do the right thing when someone we look up to, or someone more senior than us, is watching. We do that maybe to impress them, or just to show that we know and do what is right. Sometimes we do it just for the 'pat on the back' or hoping to attract a congratulatory comment. To do the right thing, even when nobody is watching, is showing true integrity. 

Adults have a significant responsibility in developing integrity in our young people. Actions and behaviours that underpin the development of integrity include:

• Demonstrating respect for those who hold different views.
• Resolving conflict responsibly. 
• Developing multiple perspectives on an issue.
• Building empathy.
• Creating opportunities to responsibly and respectfully ‘take a stand’ on issues of importance. 
• Cultivating social and emotional skills. 

Our focus in classrooms, the playground, and outside of school too, is on showing integrity. Again, I invite our families to reach out to me via email or on the gates to tell me about an example they have seen of one of our students (or community members!) showing an integrity. 

Pleasingly, one of our parents had a chat to me on the gate last week, sharing that two students, Sophie in Prep A and Hudson in Prep B, were experts at showing our 'value of the fortnight' recently, Respect, whilst they were on the Prep excursion to MOPA. Well done to you both and thanks Brie for sharing their achievement!

Thanks for your ongoing support and keep doing your best.

Rohan Cooper

Principal