I am sure we have all heard the saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me”. It is a phrase that many of us may have had repeated to us by our parents in childhood. This phrase though, is dated and wrong. At assembly this week, I spoke to students about the power of words and how they can lift us up but also be used to put us down.

When thinking about what I would say to students, I was inspired by my own principal when I was in high school. At an assembly, Mr Lalor told us, “sticks and stones may break my bones but words can crush my spirit”. I repeated this same message to Carmel College students on Thursday and reminded them that we are an inclusive Catholic college that upholds the innate dignity of each person in our community. Every time we make a derogatory comment or threaten someone’s safety and wellbeing, we fail to uphold our College Pillars of Respect and Positive Relationships. Words and comments designed to humiliate or degrade others are not tolerated or accepted in our community.

My message to students also branched out into the online space, which I addressed in the previous edition of the newsletter. Online spaces unfortunately provide an avenue where identities can be masked and people can become what is termed a “keyboard warrior”. Students were reminded that they also represented Carmel College when they are online and that their interactions with others should be based on our College Pillars of Respect and Positive Relationships.

As we end the first quarter of the school year, I encourage you to sit down with your child and go through their report card – identifying areas of strength and areas that need improvement, based on the Carmel Committed Learner Criteria of Respect, Resilience, Diligence and Positive Relationships. It might also be worth encouraging your child to reflect on these commitments they made in their enrolment interview:

• Wearing their uniform well and with pride
• Turning up to school on time and ready to learn
• Going to class and working hard
• Getting involved in school life
• Being kind and welcoming to others
• Upholding our values

Ask your student to identify one area in which they are going well, as well as having a focus for growth in Term 2.

I wish you and your families are restful Easter Break.

Mr Liam Lunney

Acting Assistant Principal: Student Wellbeing