Living Our Values at Fairhills
At Fairhills High School, our values of Acting Responsibly, Building Relationships, and Showing Respect guide the way we learn, work, and interact each day. They are the foundation of the kind of school community we are building together.
During our recent School Review, it was highlighted that these values can never be reinforced too often. They are not just words on a poster and need to be visible, lived, and celebrated across our whole school.
Our next steps will focus on bringing these values to life in many different ways. This will include making them more visible in classrooms and around the school, weaving them into teaching and learning, and celebrating when students and staff demonstrate them in action.
By embedding our values in everyday practice, we strengthen the culture of learning at Fairhills. Acting Responsibly helps us take ownership of our growth, Building Relationships connects us with others, and Showing Respect creates an environment where everyone can thrive. Together, these values bring our vision of “Empowering our community to be curious, creative, and confident learners” to life.
Diversity Week: Strength in Our Differences
Diversity Week at Fairhills High School has been an inspiring reminder of the many cultures, identities, and stories that shape who we are as a school and as a nation. Throughout the week, students and staff participated in activities that celebrated difference and highlighted the strength that comes from inclusion. From sharing food and traditions on Cultural Day to celebrating identity through LGBTQIA+ events like the flag run and bracelet-making, the week showcased how diversity enriches our lives.
Diversity has always been central to Australia’s story, shaping our communities and building the society we share today. By recognising and valuing the differences within our school, we not only honour this legacy but also prepare ourselves for the future. Diversity challenges us to think in new ways, strengthens our empathy, and helps us become more curious, creative, and confident, qualities that sit at the heart of our vision at Fairhills.
A big thank you to Emma O’Connor, Kristy Burrell, and our student leaders for their creativity, energy, and leadership in making these events such a success.
Supporting Your Child Through Stress
Every child responds to stress differently, but the most important step is creating space for them to share what’s on their mind. If they’re not ready to open up to you, encourage them to talk with another trusted adult, friend, or mentor. Keeping worries bottled up often makes stress grow.
Here are some helpful strategies you can try at home:
- Check the basics
Take a look at your child’s daily routine. Are they getting enough sleep, eating well, and moving their body each day? Small changes in these areas can make a big difference. - Balance commitments
Help your child find the right mix between school, extracurricular activities, and downtime. Too much on their plate can quickly feel overwhelming. Talk together about what feels manageable. - Write it out
Encourage your child to jot down what’s worrying them. Together, you can sort through their list and discuss which concerns feel most pressing and what steps might ease the pressure. - Get active
Physical activity is one of the best stress relievers. Encourage them to play a sport, go for a walk, or do any movement they enjoy to release tension. - Stay organised
Support your child in planning their time and breaking tasks into smaller, achievable steps. This can make big challenges feel less daunting. - Try journaling
A diary or journal can give your child a safe space to process their feelings and reflect on their day.
Ian Van Schie
Principal
