One of the mantras of our Executive Principal Mr Grace is that “no one is at Heathdale by accident.” Scripture affirms this: "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain." (Psalm 127:1) Our heart is for the school and for the city of Melton.
But the labourers do need to labour! The efforts of our staff, student leaders and yourselves are very much a part of the fabric of the school.
Establishing a foundation is a vital part of the success of a community. A family version of this is the importance of teaching children manners; it is a foundation that serves countless purposes throughout their lives.
Our Prep to Year 2 culture establishes relational foundations that will also serve students in the long term. Our students learn a song 'Friendships Thrive When You Do the Five.' Before joining Heathdale, I had never encountered such a powerful behavioural support anthem that can guide students for a lifetime. The five steps to making friendships thrive are listed below, focusing on handling challenges respectfully and supportively.
Step 1: Ignore.
Step 2: Walk away.
Step 3: Tell them to stop.
Step 4: Tell them you will tell a teacher.
Step 5: Tell a teacher.
This simple approach effectively communicates great complexity. The focus is on teaching what a healthy relationship looks like. It is too easy to focus on dangers and challenges instead of giving children the right to enjoy play. These healthy relationships are fostered by clear boundaries and strategies to protect oneself. The process also helps children recognise when their boundaries have been crossed. We are creating a culture that values and prioritises healthy relationships.
We are also emphasising self-government. These strategies empower individuals to protect themselves in ways that are effective, yet unlikely to escalate conflict. That is the great virtue of this process: by not escalating too early, we help ensure that relationships remain intact. The goal of any conversation is to find a solution whilst remaining connected afterward.
It strikes me that these seemingly simple steps can serve as a template for our approach in the Secondary years, at university, in the workplace, on social media and in conversations with friends.
There is much for all of us to learn from this process, and I value that it is laying an essential foundation at the centre of our community.