Pastoral Care

Empowering Our Students: The Vital Lesson of Personal 

One of the great lessons we always hope to impart to our students, and certainly that we hope they leave St George's with, is the importance of personal responsibility. The impact our actions have on others is essential, and we understand this better when we take direct responsibility for our actions.

In schools, it is not unusual to hear phrases like "they did it first" or "it was just a joke, I didn't mean it" when addressing a young person about their actions. But realistically, we all have to ask ourselves, does this make it okay?

"They did it first" has no end. Retaliation for a misdeed is a never-ending path to retaliation. I often ask students in this situation a couple of crucial things; how did you feel? And do you really want to be responsible for making someone else feel that way? The bottom line is that we can not make ourselves feel better by making someone else feel bad, and that requires us to therefore make a different choice. To choose not to retaliate.

And what of "it was just a joke"? Similarly, the question would be, what value is there in making fun of someone to entertain ourselves? If our words or actions amuse or make ourselves bigger by making fun of someone, what does that say about us?

One of the big questions I ask young people is what type of person do you want to be? Each individual needs to define that for themselves. Do you want to feel good about yourself because you work to make others feel good?

Personal responsibility is so important in the development of our young people. They need to be making decisions about the type of person they want to be. They need to be supporting that desire through their words and their actions. They need to take responsibility for the consequences of those decisions and the associated words and actions.

Teaching our students personal responsibility is an investment in their future. It empowers them to become individuals who choose empathy over retaliation and kindness over cruelty. By taking responsibility for their actions, they not only shape their own character but also positively influence the world around them.

Arrival at School and Signing In

We are seeing an increase in the number of students arriving at school late. To ensure that students are ready for the day, which begins with PCG at 8.30am, we recommend they plan their journey with the intention of arriving no later than 8.15am. This will allow time to go to their locker and be at class on time. Arriving at the front door at 8:30am means they will be late, as it can take as much as 10 minutes to get to their locker and to PCG. Please note the School opens for the day each morning at 7.30am.

Students will be required to sign in as late if they arrive past 8.25am. If your child is late because of an appointment or for any other reason you know of, please write them a note, or email Student Reception (studentreception@stgeorges.wa.edu.au).

Mr Hilton Hardman

Head of Pastoral Care