Principal Report

Dear Families,

Sticks and Stones

There’s an old saying many of us grew up with: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” With the benefit of experience, we know that simply isn’t true. Words matter. They shape how people feel, how they see themselves, and how connected they feel to the community around them.

In recent times, we’ve all seen how quickly conversations—particularly online—can become polarised. Social media and segments of the broader media landscape often reduce complex issues into simple, and sometimes stereotyped, explanations. Unfortunately, this can spill into school communities like ours. When challenges arise, there can be a tendency to attribute blame to particular groups or assume the worst about others’ circumstances. While this may offer a quick answer, it is very often inaccurate—and more importantly, it can cause genuine hurt and harm.

At the Chase, we are proud of our long-standing commitment to being an inclusive and welcoming community. Our families come from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and that diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Recently, in conversations around student behaviour, attendance, and wellbeing, I’ve been reminded just how important it is that we resist the urge to generalise or label. Behind every situation is a unique story, and behind every child is a family doing their best.

We have also seen many positive examples that reflect the best of our community—families supporting one another during difficult times, students showing empathy towards their peers, and staff working tirelessly to ensure every child feels safe and valued. These moments don’t always make headlines, but they are what truly define who we are.

In challenging situations, strong communities are not built on judgement—they are built on understanding. Compassion and empathy are not just ideals; they are practical tools that help us navigate complexity and support one another more effectively. When we choose to listen rather than assume, and to support rather than blame, we create an environment where everyone can thrive.

As a school, we will continue to model and promote these values in everything we do. I encourage all members of our community to reflect on the impact of their words and to approach one another with kindness and respect. If we can do that consistently, we not only strengthen our school—we set a powerful example for our children about the kind of community we want them to help build.

Because while sticks and stones may cause visible damage, it is often words that leave the deeper mark—and it is also words that have the power to heal.

Warm regards,

Christ Short

Principal