The value of friendship.
Our SJV values of gratitude, kindness, excellence, respect, and integrity are the foundation of strong and meaningful friendships. When students show gratitude, they appreciate their friends and the little things others do for them. Kindness helps us include others, offer support, and speak gently, especially during challenging times. Striving for excellence means we work to be the best friends we can be—listening, sharing, and being reliable. Respect allows us to celebrate differences and treat one another fairly, while integrity means we are honest, trustworthy, and do the right thing even when no one is watching. Together, these values help our students build friendships that are caring, inclusive, and lasting.
HOLIDAYS!
The children are ready for a break and in need of some rest and recovery from a very busy and long term of learning.
Here are some great ways to support and encourage friendships over the school holidays:
- Arrange playdates or meet-ups at a local park, library, or play centre.
- Encourage writing letters or drawing pictures to drop in friends letterbox—it’s a thoughtful way to stay in touch and practise kindness.
- Talk about friendship skills like sharing, listening, and taking turns through books, stories, or everyday conversations.
- Model and praise positive social behaviour at home, such as saying thank you, apologising, and including others in games.
- Involve your child in group activities like holiday programs, sports, or creative workshops to build confidence meeting new friends.
- Reflect on friendship moments from school—what went well, what was tricky, and how they might approach situations differently next time.
These small actions can help children maintain strong, healthy friendships and return to school feeling connected and confident.
As the winter holidays begin, I encourage all families to take this time to rest, recharge, and enjoy simple moments together—nurturing wellbeing through connection, play, and a well-deserved break.
Catherine Osadnik
Wellbeing Leader