Hello Mitcham Community,

It has truly been another fantastic fortnight filled with memorable moments, and I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of the Mitcham community. Over the past two weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing some wonderful events unfold, such as the colourful and creative Book Week Dress Up Day and the delightful Prep excursion to Halliday Park. During their excursion, the students embarked on an exciting journey to explore both 'natural' and 'manmade' elements within the park. It was an excellent opportunity for them to engage with the world around them and reflect on the differences between nature and human-made structures.

One of the highlights for me during this time has been seeing the Mitcham values in full action. Whether it’s in the classrooms or on the playground, the core values of our school are alive and well. This week, I paid particular attention to the value of ‘Respect’, as it’s one that often sets the tone for how we interact with one another and create a positive school environment.

When I was in primary school, I had a teacher who told me something that has stuck with me ever since: "You don’t have to respect everyone, but you do have to act respectfully at all times." That message, given to me back in Grade 2, has had a lasting impact, and I see its relevance in our community here at Mitcham. Respect isn’t just about admiration or agreement—it’s about how we conduct ourselves and treat others, regardless of differences.

It’s been incredibly heartwarming to observe how the students here embody that principle. From my visits to the classrooms and my time spent supporting students on the playground, it’s clear to see that the children at Mitcham Primary School are genuinely practicing respect in their interactions with both their peers and their teachers. In fact, many students are able to articulate what respectful behaviour looks like in various spaces around the school—whether it’s working collaboratively in the classroom, playing with kindness during recess, or participating in school events like the Book Week celebrations.

A particularly touching moment occurred during the Prep excursion to Halliday Park. I was absolutely blown away by the level of respect shown by our youngest students as they explored the park. While walking through the garden, they weren’t just passively observing—they were actively engaged, noticing details they may have overlooked in the past. They approached their surroundings with curiosity, while also showing respect for the space and the nature around them. Their behaviour, from listening attentively to their teacher’s instructions to playing kindly on the playground, was a beautiful example of respect in action. It’s truly encouraging to see our youngest community members already learning how important it is to act respectfully, both toward others and their environment.

In light of recent news stories highlighting the use of disrespectful language on sporting fields, this could be an excellent time for all of us to reflect on the significance of respectful behaviour—especially when it comes to the words we use. Our language has power, and choosing to speak kindly and respectfully can go a long way in fostering a positive and supportive environment for everyone. It’s an important conversation to have, and I encourage families to have open discussions at home about how we can all contribute to creating a culture of respect in every space we occupy.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend ahead, filled with moments of relaxation and connection. Thank you for continuing to support and nurture the values that make Mitcham such a special place.

Warm regards,

Bron Steele

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