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Valkstone Primary School Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships

At Valkstone Primary School, wellbeing is a vital part of learning. Guided by the Victorian Department of Education’s Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships (RRRR) initiative, we explicitly teach students the social and emotional skills they need to feel safe, connected, and ready to learn. This Department-endorsed approach aligns closely with our school values and expectations for respectful behaviour, inclusion, and positive relationships, ensuring wellbeing learning is consistent and developmentally appropriate across all year levels.

Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships is a whole-school, evidence-based framework used in Victorian primary schools. It focuses on prevention and early skill development, supporting students to recognise and manage emotions, develop self-regulation strategies, build empathy and respect for others, understand friendships and social boundaries, communicate effectively, and develop problem-solving and help-seeking skills. As students' progress through the year levels, learning becomes increasingly complex and reflective of their developmental stage.

In line with Victorian Department of Education expectations, one session each week is dedicated to an explicit wellbeing lesson in every class. During these lessons, students participate in structured, age-appropriate learning experiences such as guided discussions, stories and scenarios, role-play, collaborative activities, and reflection. This explicit teaching ensures students are not expected to simply “pick up” social and emotional skills; instead, these skills are intentionally taught, practised, and revisited over time.

Wellbeing learning is reinforced throughout the school week to support real-life application. Teachers support students to apply these skills during classroom routines, group work, playground interactions, and transitions, as well as through small group and targeted wellbeing supports. This consistent approach builds a shared language across the school and supports students to use their learning in meaningful ways.

RRRR is embedded within the Victorian Curriculum, particularly through Personal and Social Capability. Teaching these capabilities supports students to engage positively in learning, work collaboratively, build independence, and develop strong foundations for lifelong wellbeing.

This approach is grounded in strong research. Evidence shows that explicit social and emotional learning in primary schools improves student wellbeing and engagement, reduces peer conflict and behavioural concerns, strengthens relationships between students and teachers, and supports positive learning outcomes. When students feel safe, supported, and connected, they are better able to learn and thrive. 

By implementing Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships, our school is meeting Victorian Department of Education expectations while strengthening our commitment to a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment. Together, we are supporting students to develop the skills they need not only for success at school, but for life beyond the classroom.