CEO's Update

Building a Stronger Community Through Respect

Respect at the Heart of MITS

Respect is one of our core values at MITS. It guides the way we learn, live and care for one another. As we move toward our Woven Strong Strategy, we are keeping respect at the heart of our work: respect for students, families, communities and the future we are building together.

Working Together for Students

Across MITS, staff are working to strengthen student learning, wellbeing, attendance and future pathways. This includes building strong transitions to pathway schools, supporting student engagement and creating opportunities beyond MITS. We know this work is strongest when it is done in partnership with families, communities, schools and organisations who share our hopes for students.

We are also looking forward to community events such as Celebration of the Arts, where students can share their voice, creativity and achievements. At the same time, staff are planning carefully for 2027 so MITS continues to be a safe, welcoming and supportive place for students and families.

Respect in Action: The Words We Choose

One important way we show respect is through the words we choose. At MITS, we are supporting students to understand that language can change depending on where they are and who they are with. Learning to speak respectfully in classrooms, boarding houses, community spaces and with visitors is an important part of growing up.

Words have power. They can encourage, build confidence and strengthen relationships. Respectful language helps others see our students’ strengths, leadership and potential, and supports them to build positive relationships at school, in boarding, in community and beyond.

Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders remind us that respect and responsibility help build strong futures. Lowitja O'Donoghue said, “We have to work together for a better future.” Adam Goodes has shown that young people can stand up for themselves while still showing respect. These messages guide our students as they learn to use their voices with confidence, kindness and strength.

Students Leading the Way

Our older students play an important role in this culture. When they speak calmly and respectfully, especially during challenges, they set a strong example for younger students and help make classrooms and boarding houses safer, calmer and more welcoming.

We acknowledge the many students who are working hard to grow in this area. Every time a student pauses, thinks and chooses respectful words, they are building confidence, self-respect and a stronger future. This is Respect in action, and something we can all support together.

Kind regards

Lia Bartholomew

Acting CEO