Wellbeing & Inclusion
at Willy
Respectful Relationships – Gender Norms and Stereotypes
Throughout Term 3, our Willy Kids will be exploring the Respectful Relationships topic of Gender Norms and Stereotypes. This learning will take place fortnightly and works alongside our Willy Kids are Friendly Kids program.
At primary school, this topic is about helping children understand that everyone is unique and that the things we enjoy, the way we express ourselves, and what we are good at are not determined by whether we are a boy or a girl.
Through classroom discussions, stories and activities, students will explore some of the common stereotypes they may see or hear in everyday life — for example, ideas about particular colours, toys, sports, jobs or activities being "for boys" or "for girls". Students will be encouraged to think about these messages, recognise when they may be unfair or limiting, and understand that everyone should feel comfortable being themselves.
Our learning will focus on:
- celebrating the different interests, strengths and qualities of our students
- recognising and questioning common stereotypes
- encouraging children to be open-minded and respectful of others
- building confidence to make choices based on what they enjoy and who they are
- continuing to develop kindness, fairness and respect in the way we treat one another.
This fits naturally with our Willy Kids are Friendly Kids approach. We want all of our students to feel valued and included and to know that being a good Willy Kid means respecting others for who they are.
Families can support this learning through simple conversations at home about interests, strengths and choices, and by encouraging children to notice and question stereotypes when they come across them in books, television, sport and everyday life.
Kind regards,
Lisa Leydin Anna Swan
Assistant Principal Learning Specialist
Disability, Inclusion & Wellbeing Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader