I haven’t always loved words. I was a terrible speller and hold a great deal of gratitude to my primary school teachers who put in extra time to get my spelling up to speed.

In fact, it was their kind, encouraging words – and the words of many teachers after them – that have led to my love of language. I have taught English in high schools and, outside of my work at PPN, continue to write professionally.

The reason I love words is because of their power. Understanding how language is used, and how to use language, to shape people’s thoughts, perceptions, and feelings is something we all need to understand. We won’t all do it for a career, but our use of words will certainly impact our lives, and those of others.

For our students and our children, its important they understand that their words have power – the power to build people up and tear them down.

Proverbs 18:21 puts it this way, ‘Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit – you choose.’ (The Message)

As a school we take seriously the language we use and hear. Sadly, there are occasions when we need to directly address words we hear on campus. Racial terms, words targeting a person’s looks, gender or religion, or other discriminatory remarks will not be tolerated. Students are encouraged to take care of their words (and their thoughts) and report any words that may be used to tear others down. We encourage all parents to model, and engage in conversations around the dinner table that encourage words that, as the was written in Proverbs, ‘give life’.

Our school is a safe place of learning and growing for everybody – and we want it to remain that way.  We will continue to educate and address the use of words on campus, and thank parents for partnering with us in this important work.