Choose Respect

Rationale
This school community is committed to providing a safe, supportive environment for all our members. To this end, there is commitment to EXPLICITLY foster a “Culture of Respect”. This “Culture of Respect” is expressed in the following “Code of Behaviour”:

Code of Behaviour
Every member of our school community is encouraged to “CHOOSE RESPECT”.

To “CHOOSE RESPECT” is to make a conscious effort to:

  • Treat others with Respect, no matter how they treat you.
  • Treat yourself with Respect.
  • Forgive others who do not treat you with Respect.
  • Resist your natural desire to pay back or take revenge.
  • Apologise when you do not treat others with Respect.
  • Support others who are not being treated with Respect.
  • Ask for support when others do not treat you with Respect.

Fundamental Principles
The following principles are fundamental to fostering a “Culture of Respect”.

Principle No. 1

Every human being is unique, and has inherent worth and value, and therefore, should be treated with Respect. Respect is to be treated with care and consideration. This type of Respect is different the Respect that is based on the fear of punishment. This type of Respect is different from the Respect that can be earned.

Principle No. 2

Respect is not only an attitude, but an observable behaviour. Respect is contextual. Below are some examples of where Respect will be clearly demonstated:

  1. Respect for Others
  2. Respect for Yourself
  3. Respect for Property
  4. Respect for Positions of Authority
  5. Respect for the Environment
  6. Respect for Learning
Principle No. 3

Every member of our school community is capable of choosing Respect. However, Respect needs to be explicitly taught or demonstrated.

Principle No. 4

After Respect is taught or demonstrated in a particular context, if a member of our school community is not demonstrating Respect, they are making a conscious choice NOT to do so.

Principle No. 5

Every member of our school community is responsible for their own actions and choices. These actions and choices will always have consequences.

Principle No. 6

It is acknowledged that every member of our school community will at some time fall short of the “Code of Behaviour”. However, by providing an explicit standard or benchmark for what is right and acceptable behaviour, we are holding up a “standard of behaviour” to work towards.