Adam Majsay – Head of High School

Lessons in responsibility and reflection

The last fortnight has been one in which I’ve had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with a number of our High School students about the importance of telling the truth. It is a reality of working with teenagers that, from time to time, the conversations educators need to have with the students in our care focus on the impact of the boundary-pushing behaviours that are an inevitable component of burgeoning adolescence. 

Our approach to student behaviour in High School is grounded in the idea of restorative practice: fostering a culture of accountability which emphasises dialogue, repairing harm, and rebuilding relationships after conflicts or incidents. 

Sometimes, in supporting our students’ personal growth, it is their actions or behaviour which need to be addressed. At other times, our focus in these reflective conversations is on the impact of their words – and the power of one’s words to do good, or to do harm.

At Emanuel, we call this reflective practice Derech Ha’Teshuvah, the path of returning and repentance. Teshuvah focuses on resolving conflicts in a way that acknowledges the impact on all parties involved and seeks to promote understanding and healing. Above all, Teshuvah is about embracing opportunities for growth.

Let’s consider a hypothetical student, Belinda. In a moment of impulsivity, Belinda finds herself involved in a minor incident. Instead of hiding or denying her role, Belinda bravely chooses honesty. By owning up to her mistake and taking steps to make things right, she not only shows integrity, but also embarks on a positive journey of personal development.

Alongside Belinda’s made-up (but not uncommon) story, there can be the flip side – the hypothetical story of Richard. When faced with a similar situation, Richard chooses to hide the truth, in an attempt to avoid consequences. Too often, this approach can see the student come unstuck, as the truth becomes clear, leading to further complications and, most significantly, missed opportunities for personal growth.

At Emanuel, we see the interplay between School and parents as an essential partnership in support of the children in our care. As the adults in their lives, we are positioned to have a profound influence on shaping our childrens’ character. Even in the midst of a student facing up to the mistakes they may have made, we want to foster an environment – at home and at school – in which our students feel safe enough to confront challenges with honesty and courage.

Thank you for your collaboration in empowering our students to cultivate responsibility, self-compassion and personal strength, by recognising the influence of the words they speak with honesty and conviction in all of their daily interactions.