Imagine a situation where someone has the courage to stand up for another person who needed it. They were willing to step into a situation even though it would come at a cost to them. Most other people actively ignore what is happening and this person could quite easily do it as well, but they decide someone needs help and they are going to do something about it.

How would you view this person and what might you call them? I would think of words like brave, hero, champion, defender of the people . . . 

Unfortunately, adolescents take time to realise the strength of someone willing to help those in need and when it comes to what they may call this person, the one I hear far too much is ‘snitch’.

It’s an ugly word, isn’t it? But it is an effective one. People doing the wrong thing are able to manipulate others to not do anything about it, with the threat of having this label applied. Students who otherwise would have a strong sense of justice and have a desire to care for those on the outside find themselves joining the army of bystanders allowing something unreasonable or unkind to continue on.

While students need to learn how to function in difficult circumstances and we do not expect someone to run to a teacher whenever an incident occurs, I encourage you to have a conversation with your child about when should someone step up to help another person; and to put some positive language around the type of person who would do this.

Year 12 Music Excursion

Duke of Edinburgh Hike

On Thursday June 6 and Friday June 7, ten of our Year 9 students participated in the Duke of Ed Bronze overnight practice hike with guide James from the Collaroy Centre and Dr Langley from GPCC. The hike commenced at Berowra train station at 9am and following a very wet and challenging 19 km hike via Waratah Bay and Mount Kuring-gai, students arrived at Crosslands campground just before dark. On Friday, students hiked another 7 km mainly uphill, from Crosslands back to Berowra train station.

Upcoming Years 8 and 10 Subject Information Evenings 

Students and parents are invited to join us at our upcoming Subject Information Evenings, please see details below.