Deputy Principal

Be Kind

As we head towards the end of term, this is often when tempers seem to fray. Staff and students start to get tired, and we can get lost in our own little world. Sometimes when we are busy, we think the things that we are dealing with are more important than those of our families, colleagues, or friends. I wrote to College staff this week about taking the time to gather themselves, take a deep breath and take their time in the way that we speak to each other.  I know how busy everyone is. Sometimes it nearly becomes a competition to tell others how busy we are and we try and one up each other in telling someone: ‘I know you are busy but I am busier than you’.  I know sometimes I am guilty of this. When we lose our temper, we may become short with our colleagues or families. We may say things that we do not mean. 

I reminded the staff that words have meanings and it may not be their intent to make a colleague feel upset, but the meanings of words can be interpreted poorly if they are delivered poorly, whether in person or by email. We need to stop and reflect on the words that we use. Having written last week about ensuring my daughters grow up knowing that their voices are heard, I was horrified to read an article this morning where a rugby league commentator described men in a derogatory way because they were floating around a false rumor: “you little………… What an absolute disgrace, they sound like my mum and my sister gossiping.”

It is these types of comments where we belittle men by comparing them to females which again reinforces to young men that this language is okay. As I have stated, words have meaning and we need to role model our language and stop and think about what we say. Thankfully most young people do not look up to rugby league players. 

So, in the coming weeks, especially as we approach the end of term, I would encourage all of us to stop and think before we talk if we are upset. Save the email that you have written into drafts when you are upset and take a look at it again when you are calmer the next day. It is a never a good time to make a decision when the ‘bad spirit’ has clouded your judgment.

Staff, students, parents and carers need to remember that we are all on the same team. We are all working towards achieving the best outcomes for your son academically, spiritually, culturally, socially and emotionally. Let’s celebrate all our achievements. As I say to the students often: manners are free. Let’s be thankful and above all, be kind to each other.

Adrian Byrne

Deputy Principal