Inclusion and Wellbeing

Inclusion update

Focus on Wellbeing: Building Speaking and Listening Skills

This week in our wellbeing groups, students have been exploring the importance of respectful engagement with others through focused work on speaking and listening skills. These essential communication abilities extend beyond the classroom and are vital in everyday interactions—whether at home, in the community, during extracurricular activities, or with peers and family.

Speaking and listening are foundational skills for primary school students. They support not only effective communication but also academic and social development. Key areas we have been developing include active listening, speaking clearly and confidently, taking turns in conversation, making eye contact, asking thoughtful questions, and expressing ideas with clarity.

To practise these skills, students participated in a structured activity where each child selected a card and spoke on the given topic for one minute, while their classmates practised active listening. For example, one prompt—"my favourite animal is….."—helped students practise recalling and sharing personal experiences while others focused on inference and engagement through follow-up questions.

We also highlighted the importance of listening and following instructions with a fun and interactive 'listen and colour' activity. This reinforced the value of attention to detail, clear communication and the ability to listen to an instruction.

Developing speaking and listening skills enhances students' speech, language, and communication abilities. It also helps build self-confidence, supports better focus, and encourages greater engagement in learning and social settings.

Inform and Empower Digital Safety and Wellbeing

Our students have recently participated in a cybersafety incursion at school to help them stay safe and manage their online experience. 

Here are some age-appropriate Parents Tip Sheet to guide you child's use of the internet.