COURAGE

Courage is one of our prep values and we keep asking our boys to be boys of courage. The boys know that courage begins by knowing what is good, true, and right. This gives us confidence that we are heading in the right direction as we journey towards becoming good men. (We remind parents and visitors to our site to view the web articles posted around our philosophy, character, development and our concept of a “goodboyGreatSaint”).

Tangible examples are discussed with boys as to how they can build courage in themselves or how courage can be shown in specific situations, boys are asked to reflect on what they should they do in specific situations e.g. What should you do if you see someone being teased or bullied?

During the values lessons, healthy debate and positive engagement challenge and stimulate our boys to think ahead. The grade 4 boys cover various bullying material and we share techniques to deal with bullying. (Ask your son to explain what it means to be an UPSTANDER).

The concept of courage has also supported the grade 6 & 7 values lessons where boys work on the “Dissing Culture”, stereotyping, bias and prejudice.

Our boys are encouraged to realise that thinking ahead will help them overcome fear and make better choices when they face strange, difficult, or frightening situations. When they know something is good and true, they stand up with courage instead of hiding in fear.

We see this courage to speak up (yes it’s a slow steady process but what is encouraging is that it does happen – we celebrate individuals who show this courage after all, we never know how this boldness and bravery will inspire others to stand up for what is true, right, and just.

Our boys’ preparatory “language” includes #Know yourself #Be yourself #Make your contribution. These concepts support our values where through courage, we expect the boys to

Know the truth.

Help those who are bullied or abused.

Get help when afraid.

Do what is right.

Be willing to stand alone.

We ask all parents to engage with their son around each school day and to discuss the formal and informal curriculum and to add your voice towards helping us develop courageous boys.