Assistant Principal's Message
Inclusive education
We have had a great start to the year with the completion of our three-week wellbeing start-up program. The program aims to enable teachers to build relationships and get to know their student and their needs. We also aim to promote acceptance, celebrate the diversity of students and their families, and develop students’ capacities to respect and include others.
We want every student to demonstrate that they:
- Have at least one teacher they view as a trusted adult.
- Seek out teachers for informal chats.
- Views their teacher as kind, clear respectful and patient
- Accept both positive and corrective feedback from the teacher.
- Regularly attend school.
- Can approach a teacher with a problem or ask for help.
Courage to Care Program.
We were very fortunate to have our Year 5/6 students participate in the Courage to Care program as a part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students. We have implemented this program as a key component of our Upstander/bystander programs.
We recognize the importance of educating our students not only academically but also socially and emotionally. Our Upstander Programs are designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to counter the dangers of racism, prejudice, discrimination, and bullying. The Courage to Care program specifically focuses on inspiring courage and empathy in our students, encouraging them to stand up for what is right and support their peers in times of need.
One of the most impactful aspects of the Courage to Care program is the opportunity for our students to hear firsthand testimonies from different cultural groups.
Through the activities and discussions, students learnt practical tools for recognizing and addressing instances of racism, bullying, and prejudice in their everyday lives.
The goal of our Upstander Programs, including Courage to Care, is to inspire our students to realize their potential to make a positive difference in the world around them by fostering a culture of empathy, kindness, and inclusion, we aim to create a community where every individual feels valued and supported.
Bounce Back Bullying Program
Our school has started a new Bullying initiative, called Bounce Back. This is a comprehensive bullying prevention program designed to foster a positive, safe, and supportive learning environment for all students. As we embark on this journey, we want to ensure that you are well-informed about the program and its objectives.
What is Bounce Back?
Bounce Back is an evidence-informed Positive Education program using Positive Psychology, Cognitive Behavioural Theory, and social-emotional learning. It is designed to equip our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate challenges, particularly in the realm of bullying.
Objectives of Bounce Back:
1. Creating a Positive Environment Bounce Back aims to cultivate a culture of positivity within our school community, where every student feels valued, respected, and supported.
2. Developing Resilience: Through the program, students will learn valuable strategies to build resilience, enabling them to bounce back from setbacks and adversities.
3. Establishing a Shared Language: Bounce Back facilitates the development of a shared language and understanding of well-being and resilience across the entire school community.
4. Bullying Prevention: One of the primary goals of Bounce Back is to define and address bullying behaviour effectively. By equipping students with the tools to recognize and respond to bullying, we strive to create a safer school environment for all.
The Bounce Back program has commenced this week, marking the beginning of our journey towards a more resilient and compassionate school community. Throughout the program, students will engage in various activities, discussions, and learning modules tailored to their age and developmental stage.
How Parents Can Support:
We encourage parents to engage with their children about the topics covered in Bounce Back. By discussing concepts such as well-being, resilience, and bullying prevention at home, you can reinforce the lessons learned in school and provide additional support to your child's social and emotional development.
Regards
Margaret Whitford
Acting Assistant Principal