October - Month of RESPECT at Preston PS
This month, we are shining a whole school spotlight on one of our core school values: RESPECT.
It will be incorporated into our regular classroom and daily routines.
Respect is such an important value for our students and importantly, it is something we need to see, hear and feel throughout our school every day.
October gives us an opportunity to intentionally build on the good work already happening and to make respect visible in our classrooms and playgrounds.
What might RESPECT look like?
Over the month, we will encourage students to think about respect in lots of different ways:
- Respect for ourselves – being proud of who we are, looking after our wellbeing, making positive choices and having a go even when something is challenging.
- Respect for others – listening when someone is speaking, including others, using kind words and considering how our actions make others feel.
- Respect for our learning – being ready to learn, valuing others' ideas, taking care with our work and allowing everyone the opportunity to learn.
- Respect for our school and environment – caring for classrooms, gardens, equipment and shared spaces.
- Respect for differences – recognising and celebrating that everyone is unique and that our differences make our school community stronger.
Parents, carers and teachers are powerful role models. Children learn about respect by watching how we speak to others, listen to different opinions and respond when things don't go our way.
Try these simple ideas at home this month:
- Practise taking turns when talking
- Encourage children to express their feelings respectfully
- Notice and praise respectful behaviour: “I noticed you waited patiently for your turn. That was respectful!”
- Talk about how our words and actions make others feel and how we can show empathy.
Ask your child: “What does respect mean to you, and how can you show respect to someone today?”
You could also ask, “How do you feel when someone listens to you?” or “What can we do when we disagree with someone?”
October Challenge
One Day, Three Acts of Respect!
Challenge your family to notice and share three acts of respect each day. They could be as simple as helping a sibling, listening carefully or thanking someone for their help.
Little Acts of Respect Make a Big Difference
We are encouraging children to discover how small, everyday actions can make a big difference in creating a kind, inclusive and welcoming community.
“Respect isn't just about teaching children to say the right words; it's about helping them understand the feelings behind those words. Through everyday conversations, positive role modelling and little acts of kindness, we can help children grow into thoughtful, caring and respectful individuals.”
Together, we can nurture kindness, empathy and respect —
one little moment at a time
