Middle Years Matters
Leadership Passport - update
I am pleased to report that we have cracked a milestone! We now have over 100 students who have volunteered to be part of the Leadership Passport model of student leadership development. Well done to Hugh Walker (Yr 9) for being the 100th student to take up the challenge.
We now have 118 students who have taken on the challenge of developing their leadership skills. This is a fantastic result considering the passport model was only launched in Term 2. Below is a breakdown of the students and their levels:
|
|
Totals |
Senior Years |
Middle Years |
Early Years |
|
Level 1 |
114 |
24 |
38 |
52 |
|
Level 2 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Level 3 |
1 |
- |
1 |
- |
|
Total |
118 |
|
|
|
Well done to all the students who are working their way through their passports. The best part of the program is that students can complete challenges with their mates. Just like Innes and Archie from Year 7 who signed up this week to start their leadership development journey together. Well done fellas!
Social Media Threat and Online Protection
Protecting children from inappropriate online materials is a crucial component of responsible parenting in the digital age. Establishing rules and boundaries as to how technology and personal devices can be used in and around the home is key. Forming great habits, albeit a challenge, is a much easier step than trying to break poor online habits down the line. This week you would have received a letter via email from our Principal outlining some concerns regarding online content and the current hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. If you have not seen this email yet, I strongly encourage you to check your inbox and take the time to become aware of the key message – protecting children from exposure to the atrocities of war via social media content.
Unfortunately, the reality is that students who are active on social media platforms are most likely going to be exposed to distressing content relating to this scenario. What is seen, cannot be unseen. Please refer to the letter from Pete for some proactive steps that parents can take to ensure the online safety of their children at home.
Empathy and respect are interconnected.
One of College’s four expectations of students is Respect. A word that most students know of and can use, and one that many of us learnt to spell when we were younger thanks to Aretha Franklin’s help. Empathy on the other hand, is a term that some students are not so familiar with, however, it is closely interconnected with respect and they often go hand in hand. Here is why:
- Understanding Others
Empathy involves the ability to understand and share the feelings and perspectives of others. When we practice empathy, we are making an effort to see the world through the eyes of others. This understanding is a fundamental aspect of showing respect because we must first acknowledge the validity of their thoughts and feelings. - Acknowledge Dignity
When we empathize with someone, we recognise their inherent worth and dignity as a human being. This acknowledgment of dignity is not only one of the Catholic Social Teachings but also a cornerstone of respect. We should treat others as equal, regardless of their background, beliefs, or emotions. - Listening Actively
To be empathetic, we must start by listening. Unfortunately, we are living in a world where all too often people listen in order to respond, not to understand. When we listen actively and attentively, we are demonstrating respect of that person. - Avoiding Judgement
A key aspect of empathy is suspending any judgement and avoiding the making of assumptions about others or the situation. We must not rush to judge or criticize. Respect the individuality of others and the uniqueness of their experiences. - Conflict Resolution
In situations of conflict or disagreement, empathy can be a powerful tool for maintaining respect. By attempting to understand someone else’s perspective, we can acknowledge their emotions, then approach the disagreement in a way that preserves dignity and feelings.
Empathy and respect are closely related because empathy fosters a deeper understanding of others, promotes compassion and care, encourages active listening and a non-judgemental attitude. When we practice empathy, we naturally cultivate an environment of respect where a range of perspectives and boundaries are valued.
Mr Craig Cullen
Assistant Principal – Middle Years