Respect
In his final Presidential address to the people of the United States, Dwight D Eisenhower spoke these words to his fellow Americans: Down the long lane of the history yet to be written, America knows that this world of ours, ever growing smaller, must avoid becoming a community of dreadful fear and hate, and be, instead, a proud confederation of mutual trust and respect. How sad that recent events in the United States portray a community ravaged by fear and hate and Eisenhower’s dream of a confederation of mutual trust and respect seems a crumbling noble ideal.
When trust and respect bind a community, people work together for the common good and the society thrives. Fear and suspicion, on the other hand, drive people to retreat to the security of their ‘tribe’ as they reject openness and dialogue. But for respect to flourish, every member of the community must play their part. While leaders can guide, encourage and inspire, people must choose to honour the dignity of those around them and endeavour to understand events from the perspective of others.
At St Peters, we talk often to students about respect. It is one of our core values and encompasses compassion, inclusiveness, awareness and kindness—attributes which we hope characterise the St Peters graduate.
Students are encouraged to respect each other, respect their environment and respect themselves.
Respecting each other, first and foremost, requires us to consider the feelings of others, to be careful about making comments which may be intended as a joke but hurt the recipient. Respecting each other means acknowledging the presence of others, greeting them in passing, giving 100% attention when having a conversation.
Respecting each other means accepting College expectations. Abiding by uniform guidelines, ensuring hairstyles and colour adhere to the College Code of Conduct, using mobile phones in accordance with College policy and wearing only permitted jewellery demonstrate respect for all in the community. Trust and harmony prevail when everyone can be relied to live and work by a common set of guidelines.
Students are encouraged to value the resources which support their learning. Classroom furniture is cared for, equipment is cared for and grounds are kept litter-free. It is through these simple, respectful measures that an attractive environment which is welcoming to students, staff and visitors is established.
Finally, students are supported as they learn the importance of self-respect. With self-respect comes personal worth, self-discipline and a sense of purpose. Students are expected to work honestly, give of their best and collaborate in the classroom. They treat others as they would like to be treated and are ‘upstanders’ who call out unfairness and hurtful behaviour when they witness it.
Australia, while not experiencing the fear and hatred that mark current events in the United States, is not immune to conflict and suspicion. If we are not to travel the American path and that of so many other countries, we must continue to work with our young people to raise a generation who will work towards a society that lives together in harmony and creates the confederation of mutual trust and respect that Eisenhower envisioned.
Sue Grotherr
Head of Secondary
