Page 30 - Education Supplement August Edition 2023

Why Acceptance at Schools is Pivotal in

Creating Young Adults with Strong Values

t Peter’s College, an Anglican
Christian school based in
SSunninghill, houses students from
grades 8 to 12 and prides itself on the
values and attitudes it fosters within
these future young adults. Given the
critical age of these students, St Peter’s
College makes a conscious effort to
create an accepting environment that
sets the pathway to creating individuals
with strong values.

Developing and maintaining a school
that truly focuses on the child holistically
is no easy task and is quite broad.
Relevant and impactful strategies
must be developed and executed
at various levels: administration,
academic, supplier, and student. It is
not a single tick-box exercise but rather
an ongoing feat consisting of multiple
considerations and actions. St Peter’s
College looks at how a child is developed
and accommodated spiritually through
academics and extra-curricular activities
as well as through safe spaces for them
to voice their mental health issues. The
latter is a struggle that never ceases, and
poor mental health has so many different
roots, including those of identity. As an theology, we constantly remind our children and staff that we are in the business of love.
Anglican school that puts the child ahead We are agents for transformation through the work of love and academics. Our faith
of everything they do, St Peter’s College is fashioned around balance, mental wellness, and the beauty of diversity within the
facilitates conversations of identity and church itself, so we are constantly in conversation about the things we don’t necessarily
a movement of acceptance despite any see eye-to-eye on. Our task is to transfer those skills to our students”.
identity struggles. Students are not
equal to their struggles but rather the By prioritising inclusion and diversity at various levels, the school not only does what is
result of who they are after AND as they necessary in today’s ever-evolving world but acts within its values: building relationships,
overcome them. responsibility, showing resilience, and having respect for all. It goes without saying that
students cannot sincerely live out these values if they do not feel accepted or do not
However, no great movement towards know how to accept others. Furthermore, it’s not about acceptance of what is familiar
building even greater individuals comes and easy but also the acceptance of what is not. How do we expect future young adults
without complexity. A shift in thinking to enter an ever-evolving tertiary environment and workforce
and acceptance is necessary and is with values like those mentioned above when they have not
facilitated by the Head of Diversity been taught them during their high school years? Schools are an
and Inclusion at St Peter’s College, essential link in developing crucial life values for future young
Revd. Kabelo Motlhakane. “We work adults; it all starts with inclusion and acceptance.
from a basis of love and inclusion of all
people, whether we agree with them or Issued by Sasha Govender (Marketing Manager, St Peter’s College)
not,” explains College Chaplain, Revd. Visit our website: https://www.stpeters.co.za/college or
Kabelo Motlhakane. “Based on Anglican call us on 011 807 5315

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