From The Principal

At Firbank Grammar School, we have five core values: compassion, courage, integrity, curiosity and respect. We don’t often take the opportunity in our busy lives to reflect on such significant and essential concepts. That is why each year we focus on one of these values.

In 2022, it has been Firbank’s Year of Respect. Choosing a yearly value is important, as it creates a chance to think deeply about what the value means to us and others. It also reminds us all, in this period of global disruption, of the essential role of teaching values in education. This strengthens all our academic endeavours and helps us contribute to a common good as a community and individuals.

While this message might sound idealistic and aspirational, it is underpinned by critical standards in a Firbank Grammar School education. With respect as one of these standards, we demonstrate to others the need for a society-wide commitment to include everyone in public discussions. It allows us to translate these big concepts into tangible change for everyone. Nothing can be learned, developed or changed for the better unless we show respect to ourselves and each other.

The journey from aspirational school vision to a visible change in classrooms and ultimately to tangible impact on learners is complex. We live in a world that is filled with conflict. Likes and dislikes, world views and opinions vary across the number of people on this planet. We have, for example, had an election this year, which resulted in a change of Federal Government. The long process of an election campaign can often reveal opinions contrary to our own, but for democracy to prevail, one must show respect – otherwise, policy to lead the country could never be finalised or implemented. The will of the people also must be respected.

The vast majority of us believe we’re open-minded toward individuals who see the world in contrast to how we do. We know it’s essential to show respect to people around us, yet we appear lenient towards people who see things our way. It is human instinct to push back when we hear somebody express (what we believe to be) an absurd supposition. But just because you might disagree with an opinion, that does not mean you are right; it just means you see the world differently. Opinions are not facts and should not be confused and viewed as solid, unchanging constructs.

The word respect originally comes from ‘respectus’, which means attention, consideration or regard. It is an essential component of both interpersonal relationships and personal identity. Feeling respected allows young people to grow in individual character and relational connections. Feeling respected could be viewed as a fundamental common liberty. When faced with a different world view, opinion or cultural practice, respect teaches us how to view each other and gives us tools to be considerate and to not be disrespectful.

Without respect, it is hard to develop relationships. If we don’t consider others, they will not respect us, and if we don’t respect ourselves, we won’t be considered by others either.

It is essential to the growth of an individual to have a sense of security, having the option to communicate unafraid of being judged, embarrassed or oppressed. Being conscious of others and cherishing and respecting ourselves builds our confidence, self-adequacy, psychological wellbeing and prosperity.

Jenny Williams

Principal