Middle School

Head of Middle School - Jodi Fitzgerald-Tate

Which Wolf Do You Feed?

Article by Halide La Rocca, Deputy Head of Middle School

I would like to share, a Cherokee Parable called, The Two Wolves. 

A grandfather was teaching his grandson about life. He said:

"Inside me, there are two wolves.

One wolf is evil. He is made of anger, jealousy, greed, guilt, resentment, and fear.

The other wolf is good. He is made of peace, love, hope, kindness, empathy, and understanding."

The grandson thought for a moment, then asked, "Which wolf wins, Grandfather?"

The old man replied, "The one you feed."

Each of us has different sides within us. One represents the thoughts and feelings that weigh us down; the other represents those that lift us up.

These “two wolves” are not just about our inner lives - they shape the energy we bring to our families and our school community. When we choose kindness, empathy, and understanding, we strengthen not only ourselves but everyone around us. Our actions ripple outward and affect others in powerful ways.

When we respond with anger, jealousy, or fear, we can cause harm, even unintentionally. When we choose compassion and care, we help build a community where people feel supported and valued.

Importantly, these feelings are all part of being human. Rather than labelling them as simply “good” or “evil,” we can recognise them as forces within us - and take responsibility for how we respond.

Each day, especially in challenging moments, we choose which side to nurture. In doing so, we shape who we become and the kind of school community we create together.

Within our College community, we have many supports in place to help guide students to be the best version of themselves. In Middle School, we use the Fundamental Five and Follow Up Five to guide students and staff towards interactions and behaviours that align with our College values and build character.

The Behaviour Matrix is displayed in every classroom and around the Middle School and provides examples of what the Fundamental Five looks and feels like, in action. This matrix originally developed by the graduating class of 2025 when in Middle School and adapted most recently in 2025 to include ideas of current students; provides an explicit guide to the behaviours that shape a pro-social community.

Behaviour Matrix

We encourage families to consider ‘The Two Wolves’ when discussing thoughts, feelings and behaviours with their children, reflecting on how we can lift ourselves up; as individuals, and as a school community towards one that is kind, empathetic and understanding of all within.