We do well to contemplate the ethics and values that underpin educational motivation and drive us as educators. One of the smartest things our Federal Government ever did, was to put on schools the need to develop values statements.

I took this very much to heart and canvassed staff, students and the parent communnity. The response from students and staff was above 90%. High level returns (in order of 60+%) came from our community. All responses were ranked and scored, then published as a supplement in our newsletter, ‘Leanyer Links’.

From each group the first response was RESPECT. For me it is the most important value and deserves to head the rest. What do readers think?