DEPUTY PRINCIPAL'S REPORT 

Respecting our school

A new term offers us all another opportunity to focus on how we can demonstrate our 2022 theme of Respect.

Respecting people’s space

One of the things that our students should be aware of is the need to respect every person's space. The most obvious understanding of this is to give each person room to move, to not crowd others and to adhere to a hands off policy. From time to time we have students getting overly boisterous at break times and while we do want to promote being active, jumping on top of each other, wrestling and ‘play’ kicking people is not acceptable. For one thing it is not particularly safe and also, there can be a real imbalance between those wanting to be boisterous and those who quickly become stuck in the middle. A reminder to all students that we do have a hands off policy and we do need to respect each other's physical space. Respecting other people’s space also means acknowledging that sometimes people need time that is quiet and away from others. We have a wonderful space in the LRC where students can go at recess and lunch times to spend time with others or by themselves. Our yard, though not extensive, has plenty of room for students to gather in small groups and relax in between classes - we should always respect other people’s needs for physical space.

Respecting people’s contributions

During class and even during breaks students will share their ideas and opinions with each other. Our school is one where every student should feel safe to share their ideas, to ask questions and to respond in class without being mocked or put down by their peers. The old adage of if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything is very relevant even today. An even better idea is to focus on building up - encouraging, affirming and acknowledging other people's ideas or responses. It is really important though that this is done from an authentic place, not lip service. Last term every Wednesday was ‘say something nice day’ - imagine the impact on our wellbeing and our community if we made a conscious effort to do that every day. 

Respecting people’s belongings

We are very lucky to have so many great resources and facilities at St Mary MacKillop College. Unfortunately lately we have seen damage to class materials and rooms that is clearly deliberate. This shows a distinct lack of respect and reduces the good will and the good ‘feel’ of the classroom. It is important for all of us to look after our belongings, to not interfere with other people’s belongings and to care for our resources. Rather than leave rubbish behind, we can put it in the bin. Rather than leave a mess on a table, we can wipe it down. Respecting the resources we have means looking after them and using things responsibly.

Respecting ourselves

Self-respect is really about having a sense of pride and confidence in ourselves and behaving in a way that shows dignity. Wearing our uniform well demonstrates self-respect, as does being on time and ready to learn because it shows that we are willing to be part of a community and that we want to give ourselves every opportunity to learn and to contribute. Doing our best at something shows self-respect, it shows that we take ourselves seriously, that we are willing to contribute and that we are open to growing as a person. We don’t always get things right the first time but we all owe it to ourselves to try - we and our school community will be all the better for it.