We are all new this year. And yet we all belong together as a part of the new Kalkallo campus.

When I look around I can see many signs that we belong. I can see our teachers wearing nametags and lanyards with the Hume Anglican Grammar Logo. I can see students wearing a uniform that shows we belong together.

Having a sense of belonging at school is really important. Research tells us that belonging has many positive personal, social and academic benefits. (Barron & Kinney, 2021) A strong sense of belonging leads to:

• Self esteem
• Self confidence
• Self belief
• Positive peer relationships
• Academic achievement
• Resilience

At our Commencement Service last week, I shared with students that we belong to lots of groups and that there are lots of ways that we can see that we belong. The academic gown and colours I wore showed that I belong to a big group of teachers who have learned the same things at university. I have a footy scarf that shows that I belong to a group of people who go for the same football team. I have a photo in my office that shows that I belong to my family. These are all things that you can see.

But there is another way of knowing we belong that you cannot see. It is a feeling we get inside. That feeling grows when the people we are with are respectful, have integrity and watch out for our safety. Three of our School Values!

My challenge to the Kalkallo community is to make sure we practice respect, integrity and safety with each other so that we will all have that feeling of belonging.

Kristen Smith - Assistant Principal - Primary (Kalkallo)