News from the Counsellors

Recently there have been some changes in our counselling space and we'd like to inform you know that Tim is now working one day a week, Pi Lee is joining the team two days a week, and Renee will be on board five days a week.

The Power of Words: Why Language Matters at School and Beyond

🌟 Creating a Culture of Kindness and Respect

At our school, we are committed to building a community where every student feels safe, respected and valued. Recently, we have noticed a concerning rise in the use of harmful language, including:

• Using “gay” as an insult
• Negative racial slurs and discriminatory phrases
• Casual jokes that target peers or staff based on identity

We want to be clear: there is no place for homophobic, racist or discriminatory language in our school.

Even when said “as a joke,” these words have real impact — leaving individuals feeling isolated, unsafe and disrespected. They can erode trust, damage friendships and make classrooms places of fear instead of learning.

💬 How You Can Help at Home?

We’re asking all parents and caregivers to take a moment to sit down with your child and have a conversation about the importance of respectful language. You can help them understand that:

✅ Words have power and impact

✅ Joking about someone’s identity is never harmless

✅ We all have a role in making our community safe for everyone

Conversation Starters:

What do you think it feels like when someone is teased about who they are?

Why is it important to respect everyone’s differences?

How can you stand up if you hear someone using hurtful language?

❤️ Together, We Can Make a Difference

Most of our students are thoughtful, kind and growing into amazing young people, and learning about the responsibility that comes with their words is part of their journey.

Thank you for reinforcing these important messages at home. Together, we can ensure our school remains a place where every student can feel proud, safe and free to be themselves.

Tim, Renee & Pi

The Counselling Team