Principal's Pen

In my introductory speech to the conference, I spoke about the importance of disagreeing well. I explained how, in recent years, people have become more polarised and less tolerant of views that differ from their own. I concluded my speech with eight strategies we can all use to help us to disagree well and appreciate and learn from views that are different from our own. These were:

1. Approaching all conversations with humility;

2. Applying active listening techniques;

3. Distinguishing people from ideas and avoiding labelling people;

4. Seeking common ground before exploring difference;

5. Being aware of our own emotions;

6. Avoiding the trap of contempt by always assuming good intentions from others;

7. Employing intellectual hospitality by making others feel safe to express their views;

8. Practising open mindedness by seeking out conversations outside our ‘bubbles’ and by reading things you disagree with.

In other news this week, huge congratulations to our under 16 boys football team who won the QUESS tournament we hosted at the College. Having watched a number of their games on their route to victory, there was a huge amount of skill and team spirit on display.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

David Tongue

Principal