[Principal Peter] Etiquette, Respect, and Manners

Good morning, everyone.

Today I want to talk about something simple but powerful: etiquette. Some people think etiquette is just rules — how to stand, how to bow, how to speak. But actually, good manners come from something much deeper: respect. Respect for your teachers, for your classmates, and for yourselves.

From tomorrow, we are introducing a very small but very meaningful practice. When you see a teacher for the first time in the morning, give a polite bow — just a gentle nod. It isn’t about formality. It’s about acknowledgement. It’s your way of saying, “I see you. I respect you. Thank you for guiding me today.” And your teachers will acknowledge you in return. This sets the tone for our whole school day — calm, polite, and thoughtful.

But etiquette isn’t just something you do for teachers. It is something that shapes who you are becoming. Being polite doesn’t make you weak or old-fashioned. In fact, good manners are one of the strongest signs of a confident, mature person. They tell the world, “I know how to treat others well.”

Let me tell you a short biblical story that touches on this.

1. Jesus Washing His Disciples’ Feet (John 13)

In one of the most famous moments in the Bible, Jesus — the teacher, the leader, the one everyone looked up to — washed His disciples’ feet. This was something only servants normally did. But Jesus did it to show something important: true honour comes from humility.

He was teaching that real greatness isn’t about power; it is about serving others and treating people with dignity.

When you hold a door open, when you greet someone politely, when you show respect — you are doing the same thing in a small, everyday way. You are choosing humility. You are choosing honour.

Now, I want to say something especially to the boys.

Gentlemen, I’d like you to be more considerate with the girls. Open doors for them. Make space for them in the corridor. Help if someone is carrying something heavy. Not because girls can’t do these things — of course they can — but because kindness is a mark of strength and leadership.

You’ve seen me carry students’ bags, open doors, and make sure others are looked after. I do it because it’s right. This is how a gentleman behaves. Even when I was a boy on a remote island my mother insisted I stand up at the dinner table until my sisters were seated. 

And girls — I want you to be ladylike in the best sense of the word. Show grace, dignity, kindness, and self-respect. Speak with courtesy. Treat others well. Manners belong to everyone.

Here’s another biblical moment that speaks to honour.

2. The Story of Ruth and Boaz (Book of Ruth)

Ruth was a young woman in a difficult situation, far from home. Boaz, a respected man in the community, treated her with extraordinary generosity and courtesy. He made sure she was safe, provided food, and spoke to her with kindness and honour.

This story is often remembered because it shows that respect between men and women is foundational to a healthy community. Small acts of thoughtfulness build trust, confidence, and belonging.

That is exactly the type of community we want here.

Remember: etiquette is not about rules — it’s about relationships. It’s about creating a school where people feel safe, valued, and respected. A place where we lift each other up instead of pushing each other aside.

If you start small — a bow in the morning, a held door, a polite greeting — these little habits will shape your character for the rest of your life. And those habits will open far bigger doors than the ones you open for each other.

So from tomorrow, I’d like to see you practise these things. Not because the principal told you to, but because you understand why it matters.

Let’s be a school known not only for strong academics but for strong character. A community of respect, kindness, humility, and honour — the kind of young men and young women who make the world around them better. You’ll learn more about using the mailbox in your Mission class today. Next week I’ll talk about CT Studd, the British missionary, cricketer, and all-round gentleman. And good luck with your exams this week, so far the work in English has been excellent. 

Thank you, and have a wonderful day.

#Manners #Etiquette #Respect