Principals Reflection

“Us-Them; You-Me”. We see it in sport, in politics, in fashion and taste – it can be good-humoured, or it can be bitterly divisive. If our relationships were displayed in a Venn diagram that highlights those values that are unique to ‘me’ compared to those values that are unique to the other person, the ‘You’ in the equation, I would have an educated guess that the part that is unique to each person – the values or qualities that each person does not share with the other person – would be extremely narrow, with very few disparate values or qualities. I was in a few classes last week asking them to name four values or qualities that they currently appreciate in their mates or would look to see in potential friends, and I don’t think it would surprise you to know that the same fairly centrally-focused values or qualities were listed both individually and commended by the class as a whole: kindness, resilience; positiveness, being merciful/forgiving, displaying good-humour, not being self-centred. It was interesting that no-one highlighted subjective qualities such as good looks, physical prowess or the appearance of intelligence, yet in our competitive culture, it is often such superficial qualities that impress and influence, if only for a transitory period of time.

Our prejudices are often formed, unfortunately, on the basis such superficial impressions, rather than allowing a deeper relationship to reveal the qualities that we appear to universally agree-upon to be more endearing, enduring and influential. A quote regarding prejudices from Charlotte Bronte in Jane Eyre is illuminating from this perspective: “Prejudices, it is well known, are most difficult to eradicate from the heart whose soil has never been loosened or fertilized by education; they grow there, firm as weeds among stones”. I am a great fan of classical literature not because it is ‘escapism’, but because it illuminates human nature and exposes us all as people with great needs and expectations. For many of us, our needs are relatively simple – good health, time with friends and family. However, it appears that a significant source of both inner conflict and a further wider conflict with ‘the world’ occurs when our own expectations are not met due to our prejudices.

With the commencement of any new school term, there tends to be numerous conversations that are aimed to challenge and support some members of the school community regarding their unrealistic expectations of the values inherent in others. Sometimes, conflicts that arise can be traced back to an intolerance of others, a feeling that one’s own needs and expectations are more important than another’s needs and, most importantly, rights. In investigating conflict, I find I have an increasing respect for the vast majority of members of our school community who appreciate that there will be challenges in being part of a school community that brings together such disparate needs, abilities and aspirations and who ‘rise to the occasion’ by displaying tolerance in the face of the differences in others and who learn to listen to each other in becoming better people from each encounter; there are many lessons from the broader community to remind us of the dangers of continually considering past injustices and letting prejudice hinder growth in relationships and the chance of productive, reasoned discussion.

Clear expectations are expected of any person participating in our school and the consideration for the rights of others to learn is reflected in legislation that governs our school and which supports our ‘Behaviour Management Policy’. As a staff and in classes, we have been discussing the difference between annoying behaviour, teasing and bullying. There is an expectation that children gradually become more resilient when they find people who are occasionally are annoying, however, behaviour that is constantly inconsiderate to the extent that it hinders the academic and social development of a child is serious and does have consequences for the perpetrator.

Thank you to all in our school community who support our WEST principles (Welcoming, Encouraging, Sorry, Thanking) and Mercy Values (Mercy, Respect, Compassion, Hospitality), aspects of our school culture as important as our Chromebooks, desks, chairs and other learning resources in helping create a safe learning environment, and are values and qualities that appear to be acknowledged and appreciated by all who are prepared to put another person as being equally important.

 Regards,

 Rod Linhart

(Principal)