THEME: ETIQUETTE
The talk for assembly was given by College’s Deputy Headmaster: Co-curricular, Mr Ryan Kyle.
This week’s theme is Etiquette and good manners. This is something that is close to my heart and when Mr Marwick asked me to take today’s assembly, I was glad to see that it coincided with this very relevant topic. We live in a fast paced, at times selfish world where basic human etiquette, treating others with respect and then just general kindness have become less important and at times, a secondary focus in many people’s lives.
You are all still young; as life unfolds, and you explore your careers, futures and family aspirations, I can assure you that those who treat others consistently and fairly and show the character of a good man are going to find it that much easier to get kickstart in life that you need. We live in a very challenging world and contrary to what people may say, good people do come out first in life.
I must then ask, why do we as teachers so often have to comment on your dress, shirts untucked, socks down, litter lying around your quads? Why does it at times seem that you are comfortable with letting some of these simple things slip and then complain about less important things?
Greeting, appearance, standing up for immorality and what’s wrong, have always been things that this school and the boys, both past and present has prided themselves on. We are quick to quote how “but there are certain things do not change and must not change”, and yet the very next part of Mr Fuller’s quote speaks about basic human values of truth, courage, kindliness and manliness for which this school has stood for many years. You see gents, it’s the basic values that we need to get right before anything else. We all know the impact and positive influence that you gents can have, you so often show us that – your determination when faced with adversity on the sports field, your efforts in the cultural and academic spheres of the school, helping in the community, getting heavily involved in community projects like the kindness week. We just need to see this more often and on a consistent basis, because when we do behave in such a manner, we can do great things as a very special school.
My challenge to all of us today is to be the man that you would one day want your daughters to marry, be the man that has no regrets, because above all else, you were kind, you cared, you made the world a better place, and because you made every effort to show moral empathy. The world desperately needs people like this. Having good manners, showing etiquette, caring for your environment and surrounds doesn’t take a lot of extra effort. It needs to become a habit. Behavior becomes a habit when it is practiced over a period of time, and then becomes second nature. As Alexander Hamilton once said and I quote “if you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything.”
Let’s see if we can be the change we want to see in the world. It starts right here in our school. It starts right now when you leave the quad today. Small acts of kindness, being proud of how you present yourself and showing etiquette and manners – that’s my challenge to all of us.
Pro Aris et Focis
Ryan Kyle (Deputy Headmaster: Co-curricular)