Weekly Values Focus - Respect

Week 4: Footscray West students show appreciation

At our school, we show respect by appreciating the people around us. Showing appreciation helps others feel valued and strengthens our sense of community. It means noticing the kind, helpful, and thoughtful things people do for us each day, and letting them know it matters. When we take the time to appreciate others, we help build positive relationships and a caring community.

We can do this in simple ways, like saying “thank you,” smiling, or noticing someone’s effort. We might thank a classmate for helping us, a teacher for supporting our learning, or a friend for including us in a game. Showing appreciation can also be more than words—writing a thank you note, returning a favour, or showing interest in someone’s ideas are all ways we can show we care. Small choices like these make a big difference and show respect for the people around us.

Showing appreciation also helps us feel grateful for the good things in our lives. 

When we practise gratitude, we begin to notice more positive moments in our day. This week, look for opportunities to say thank you. Could you thank someone for something small? Could you show appreciation through your actions? At the end of each day, try to think of three things you are grateful for. When we notice and appreciate others, we help make our school a kinder and happier place.