Values

It is a fundamental tenet of all societies that certain types of behavior are appropriate, and certain types of behavior are not; certain actions are perceived as good, whilst others are bad; there is a right way and a wrong way of doing things. Choice of action in a variety of circumstances is a fundamental fact of life, and within this choice lays our personal responsibility. It is also a fundamental responsibility of schools to give guidance in the question of choice of action, and this responsibility must be firmly anchored to a set of guiding principles.

At WIS we believe that choice of action should be determined by the following considerations:

1.             That we should be mindful of the needs and rights of others

Such a consideration should be enshrined in principles of good governance. Social order is required to protect all individuals, particularly the weak and minority groups. Laws and regulations are the tools of good governance, and there are appropriate ways to influence change. The right to be heard is balanced by the responsibility to listen, and these are the foundation stones of a just society.

2.             That we should be honest in our dealings

Every ethical system holds firmly to the importance of truth telling and proscribes deceit. This value is essential to all human affairs from the operation of schools, to the governance of nations. Honesty must lie at the heart of every school curriculum. Arising out of honesty is trust, which in turn nurtures security - a fundamental requirement for mental well-being.

3.             That we should be peaceful in our intentions

At the core of human relations is the need for peace. This is true both in the global, political sense as much as in the home environment and local community. Conflict resolution at any level requires good social and emotional skills, and an underlying conviction that coercion and confrontation are not the best way to resolve problems; indeed, they have a great potential to harden attitudes. Social harmony is dependent upon cooperation, and the ability and willingness to seek compromise.

4.             That we should be considerate in our actions

As human beings we do not live in total isolation; any human action impacts on others, as well as on the environment, in both direct and subtle ways. We should all be aware of the consequence of our actions, and recognize our custodianship of the world we have inherited; good citizenship involves the protection and preservation of the physical environment from damage and destruction. Also, in a multi-cultural community we should be particularly sensitive to the impact our actions have on others, and we should strive for a greater understanding of common cultural inheritance as well as an understanding of the basis for cultural difference.