Conversation: No bullies allowed in his oasis of harmony - Br Nicholas Harsas, primary school principal

Sydney
25 August 2002

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Conversation: No bullies allowed in his oasis of harmony - Br Nicholas Harsas, primary school principal

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Conversation: No bullies allowed in his oasis of harmony - Br Nicholas Harsas, primary school principal

By Damir Govorcin

He is “just a great person to work with”, says Theresa Lee. “He is always approachable and supportive.” He is Br Nicholas Harsas, principal of Patrician Brothers College Primary School (Years 5 and 6) at Fairfield.

Theresa, who is the school’s secretary, says: “He personifies the Christian ethos and really practises what he preaches. “The boys see him as a confidante, someone who helps them resolve their personal problems when they are unable to communicate with their parents. “A number of students, exstudents and parents file into his office every day of the week; that’s the kind of respect he has.” During his nine years at the senior primary boys’ school – including six as principal – Br Nicholas (pictured with some of his students) has established a reputation for being a fine leader, strong communicator and innovative thinker.

His list of initiatives includes The Boys for Middle School Education project, setting up an anti-bullying committee and creating a STAR (Sit, Talk and Rest) area on the school grounds where boys can play chess, read, talk, and play board games.

Br Nicholas and his hardworking staff have endeavoured to make Patrician Brothers primary a safe learning environment in an area that has long been tarnished by drugs, gangs and violence.

It is a multicultural school with boys from 37 different countries, a significant proportion of them Vietnamese, Filipino, South American and Syrian. Br Nicholas says there has never been a problem with bullying at the school, but insists you can’t afford to become complacent.

Two years ago, he established an anti-bullying committee, which consists of staff and student representatives.

He regards the committee as integral to keeping the school trouble free.

“Bullying has never been a problem at this school, but you always try to be proactive rather than reactive,” he says. “We’re trying to teach the boys in a Christian way that violence doesn’t solve things. “We have a hands-off policy at the school, and they realise that fighting won’t be tolerated.” Br Nicholas, 37, recently helped acquire a grant of $10,000 from the Catholic Education Office to improve literacy in the school.

“The boys weren’t performing in areas like literacy, so it was a problem that needed to be addressed,” he said. “The money was used to buy more computers and books on subjects that boys are interested in, like wildlife, space and dinosaurs. “The school is very grateful for the grant as it will help improve the boys’ education.” The principal’s association with the Patricians dates back to his boyhood when, after early schooling at Our Lady Queen of Peace School in Gladesville, he went to Holy Cross College, Ryde, which was run by the Patrician Brothers.

Then he trained to be a teacher and, after graduating from the Catholic College of Education in Sydney, he became a lay teacher at St Charles’ Primary School in Ryde.

It was during this time that he decided on a religious life.

“I thought about being a Brother for a while, but I put it off to travel overseas,” he says.

“I’ve always had a relationship with God and found my calling as a Patrician Brother.

“I love spreading Christ’s message, and as principal I like nothing more than to help staff, students, parents and parishioners.” Br Nicholas is proud of the STAR area which allows the boys to participate in activities such as chess and other board games, or to read books or just tal.

The playground is dominated by a basketball court, but Br Nicholas realised that some of the boys weren’t interested in basketball.

So a corner of the playground was set aside for STAR and a fundraising committee formed to secure money to put in new seating, plant new trees and to paint chess boards on the ground. Artist Sean O’Hara was commissioned to paint a mural on a wall. “The STAR area has added a new dimension to the school, and all the students have been enthusiastic about it,” Br Nicholas says.

“Those boys who don’t like basketball now have an area to do other things.

“I really like the mural as it depicts a lovely scene of water, mountains and clouds.” Because so many of his students have a Vietnamese background, Br Nicholas was selected by the Catholic Education Office to make a study tour of Vietnam in 2000 to learn more about Vietnamese culture, which would allow him to better relate to the boys and their parents.

“It was a wonderful experience and I learnt so much,” he says. “It gave me a better understanding about Vietnamese culture and how these people live.

“I bought a lot of resources back with me, such as books, tapes and souvenirs, which the boys really appreciated.” The school curriculum now includes a unit entitled, Studies of Asia Perspective, which focuses particularly on Vietnam; feedback from staff and students has been positive.

“The Vietnamese boys are so enthusiastic about it, while the other boys are excited about learning a new culture,” says Br Nicholas.

“With all the boys being so interested, the teachers are thriving on their enthusiasm.” Of all Br Nicholas’ qualities, it’s his ability to listen and to be supportive which has endeared him to students, staff, parents and parishioners.

Ex-students hold him in high regard, often inviting him to their birthday parties or taking him to dinner or the movies.

“It’s a special bond I have with the boys which makes what I do so rewarding,” he says.

“It’s a good feeling when your ex-students regard you as a friend. “I’m just glad I have made some contribution to helping shape their lives.” At present, Br Nicholas is furthering his communication skills by doing a course at the Institute of Counselling.

“The course teaches you about the skills of counselling such as showing empathy and group dynamics,” he said.

“I feel honoured that current and ex-students, their parents and parishioners come to me for advice, so I want to be best prepared to help steer them in the right direction.” Br Nicholas’ staff speak about him in glowing terms, and the feeling is mutual. He says their support has helped make Patrician Brothers a school the community should be proud of.

“The staff’s support of me has been enormous and they have helped make the school a safe and enjoyable environment for the boys,” said Br Nicholas.

“They’re very co-operative and work well together as a team. “I admire them for all the hard work they put in and they have my utmost respect and support.”