Deputy Principal

Being Respectful Starts with Us

Over the last few weeks, I have had an increasing number of conversations with staff about inappropriate emails or phone conversations from parents. It is important as adults that we model good behaviour to our students and that includes the way we speak to members of staff here at the College through verbal or written communication.

As parents and carers, I understand it is your responsibility to advocate for your son. It is important that in the afternoon when they get home from school, they can debrief or vent about a situation that has occurred at school. Sometimes they will let you know that they got into some trouble or received detention. This is a normal part of growing up and actions have consequences.

Sometimes as parents/carers we try and solve issues for our children. As they mature, we need them to solve problems or issues for themselves by having conversations with members of staff here at the College. However, most issues your son has here at the College do not need to be solved by parents. Sometimes when your son is upset, it is easy as parents to fall into the trap of responding quickly by sending an email to the College, often written in emotive language in the heat of the moment. I would suggest that you do not send the email, sit on it for a few days. Often after reflection, you may find that the message can be revised more thoughtfully - or that it may not need to be sent at all.

Staff at the College are humans, they have feelings. They turn up to work each day with the genuine intention of achieving the best outcomes for your sons. They are not looking to get your son in trouble; they are focused on supporting their growth, learning and wellbeing and doing what is fair and in the best interests of your sons. 

There are many occasions where you will need to communicate with the College; however, you must ensure that your email or phone call is respectful. Believe it or not your son will make poor choices and as parents, it is up to us to ensure that our children learn from their mistakes.

The College is clear on our expectations. These are available on our website, or you can click here St Patrick’s College Parent Code of Conduct. Just as you would not tolerate being treated poorly in your place of work, I will not tolerate our staff being treated poorly.

Can I please ask you for your support in collaborating with us here at the College to ensure mutual respect is observed for all.

Adrian Byrne

Deputy Principal