DEPUTY PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

On Thursday our staff engaged in a Faith Formation day led by Sr Rita Malavisi where staff had the opportunity to learn and understand more about Mary MacKillop. Given we have recently celebrated JJAMM Week and our Feast Day, the timing of this was perfect. Sr Rita took staff through some learning about virtues, which might feel unfamiliar to many. Virtues are positive qualities or traits that guide our behavior and decisions in a good way. Think of them as the best habits or attitudes that help us act morally and live well. For example, kindness, honesty, and courage are virtues because they encourage us to treat others well, be truthful, and face challenges bravely. In essence, virtues help us become better people and contribute positively to the world around us. In the Catholic Tradition we speak of two types of virtue, Theological and Cardinal. One of the Cardinal Virtues Sr Rita spoke about was Prudence,  which is about making wise choices and thinking carefully before you act. 

This is something that everyone can adopt and focus on. We all need to be prudent and our life and the lives of others are enhanced when we are prudent. Teenagers often have lots of pressure on their decision making, both real and perceived. Being prudent, thinking about what we do, what we say and how we say it can build up our community in a positive way. Our expectations as a school are very clear and we ask our students to be prudent in the way they make decisions around their learning and the learning environment, which includes their teachers and classmates.

We are on time and ready to learn. In other words, get to class on time knowing that you are here to learn something new every day. Have your materials organised so nothing gets in the way of learning, nothing holds you back. Students must be arriving at class on time with the things they need for that lesson including a charged MacBook. 

We always follow staff instructions. Being part of our community means following the College Community Expectations. This also means doing the small things like wearing our uniform well, listening when it is time to listen, doing what staff tell us to do without arguing or back chatting.  

We all use appropriate language. What we say is important and so is how we say it. Language is powerful, it can build people up and it can cause damage. Choose your words wisely and add positivity to the conversations around you. Every member of our community should speak respectfully. 

We respect ourselves, others and our learning environment. Every single person in our school community has a right to feel safe at school. No person has the right to make others feel small, fearful, embarrassed or unwelcome. We respect ourselves enough to do what is best and what is right. 

We are responsible for our own behaviour. Ultimately, we are in charge of what we say and what we do. Focus on making good decisions - about study, about homework, about behaviour. Be prudent, every day!

Nurturing the virtue of prudence in our own lives helps us navigate social situations with thoughtfulness and respect, fostering healthier and more meaningful relationships with the people around us. Every person in the St Mary MacKillop College community has something to offer, something to contribute that makes our school and potentially our world a better place. 

Catherine Howison

Deputy Principal