I am very biased, but I think that TCS has one of the best librarians in the world.

In support of this statement, TCS Senior School librarian, Shelagh Straughan, was recently recognized with the prestigious Marky Award that celebrates her significant contributions to her profession and the Association of Independent School Librarians (AISL) over an extended period of time.

Reading remains a vital aspect of a good education and a full life. Shelagh epitomizes this and makes our school community a better place, both inside and outside of the library, on a daily basis. Bravo and thank you, Shelagh!

Shelagh has a contagious enthusiasm for books and reading, as does our outstanding Junior School librarian, Sarah Torrible. Our students and staff are inspired by their leadership for reading, particularly at a time when most of us (kids and adults alike) have their eyes on their phones.

As I sat and pondered TCS’s remarkable library team – Shelagh, Sarah, our exemplary library assistants, Viola Lyons and Julie Spencer – I thought that I would identify a book that had a profound impact on me as an educator, a school principal and as a human. The book remains relevant today.

How Good People Make Tough Choices: Resolving the Dilemmas of Ethical Living, by author and ethicist Rushworth Kidder, is a thought-provoking book that delves into the complexities of moral decision-making, exploring situations where conflicting ethical principles come into play. As educators, parents and members of a community, we often grapple with these dilemmas, seeking guidance on how to navigate the delicate balance between competing values.

For example, one such dilemma, which often arises in the context of school discipline, is the tension between our responsibility for the needs of the community and the rights of the individual (facing the disciplinary action). On one hand, we have a duty to maintain order and discipline within our school community, ensuring that all students feel safe and respected. On the other hand, we must also recognize the rights and dignity of each individual student, treating them with fairness and compassion.

It’s also important to recognize the role that parents play in the disciplinary process. In today’s world where boundaries between home and school are increasingly blurred due to online connectivity and social media use, discipline cannot be solely the responsibility of the school; parents must take an active role in teaching their children about responsibility, accountability and ethical behaviour online and in-person. In truth, it is a shared endeavour between educators, parents and the students themselves.

In conclusion, the principles outlined in Rushworth Kidder’s book offer good life advice generally, but also provide valuable insights into navigating “right vs. right” dilemmas in school discipline. By balancing the needs of the community with the rights of the individual, and by fostering a collaborative approach between educators, parents and students, we create a culture of accountability, respect and ethical behaviour within our schools.

Moral of the story: when in doubt, or in search for insight, always go back to the books. And, at TCS, I am most certain that our librarians will help you find just the resource you are looking for. (And, in true form, Mrs. Straughan wishes to remind students that they can access my recommended title from Kidder as an ebook via Sora!)