Senior School 

From the Head of Senior School 

It wasn’t all that long ago that you never heard the ‘F-word’ - or other strong language - on TV, but now it is not uncommon at all. I have noticed an increase across society generally in the frequency and prevalence of swearing in everyday language. Swear words are intended to be used in extreme situations when extreme language is needed to express a view, reaction or emotion. 

Our students are growing up in a world where the norms of society – including language usage – are altering rapidly. A quick glance at social media accounts will demonstrate how liberally swear words are used in that media. 

Views about whether this is right or wrong will vary – for me, though, as both an English teacher and educator, the overuse of swear words diminishes their purpose and effect, takes away their point altogether. There are many members of our community who are offended by swearing – indeed, they are meant to be offensive words and not to be used lightly. People have a right not to be offended by others’ careless and casual use of strong language. 

I raised with the students at our assembly last week the need to know when and where it is appropriate or – arguably – acceptable to swear. One such place is not school! There must never be swearing at school. I have asked the Senior School students to exercise self-restraint and self-discipline with their language and use of swearing. The norms of private conversations or social media interactions are different from those of school, and so I hope I will not hear offensive language around the corridors. 

Mr Mark Bonnin | Head of Senior School 

Values and Christian Service 

As you may be aware, this term we are focussing heavily on the student-oriented VACS Service program. With over ten service-based activities to choose from, students are encouraged to support our local community and their school. This week, the media team interviewed some of the participants in these groups, namely 'Random Acts of Kindness' and 'Hunger Heroes' to gather their thoughts, opinions and background of their particular activity. The 'Random Acts of Kindness' group aims to perform random acts of kindness throughout the school, such as enlightening letters and selfless acts, without the expectations of repayment or return. The team also spoke to the 'Hunger Heroes' group, who were cooking for a lunchtime fundraising stall, selling brownies and icecream to fund the delivery of meals to people in difficult situations, allowing them to get the correct nutrition that they need to function.

Kelvin Hands | VACS Media student