Wellbeing
Term 2 in Wellbeing
Our students have been hard at work this term exploring a wide variety of Wellbeing concepts from both Friendology and the Respectful Relationships curriculum. They have played games, created artworks, participated in dynamic role-plays and engaged in peer-to-peer discussions about topics and challenges that are common within each different year level.
Friendology
Across the school in Friendology over the last few weeks, our junior students have been exploring Friendship. They have been discussing ideas such as what makes a good friend, how can we be a good friend and what are the qualities of a healthy friendship, as well as the concept of empathy and understanding different peoples’ opinions with respect and kindness.
Our Year 3 and 4 students have been exploring and role-playing Friendship Fires. They have looked at the process of confronting, discussing and resolving different issues and have discussed common, low-level friendship issues like hurt feelings, misunderstandings, and disagreements. The students have compared the difference between a positive and negative reaction in various situations and explored what forgiveness means in a friendship, learning how to move forward in a positive and constructive way.
The senior students have been exploring the idea of Mean-on-Purpose behaviours in relationships. They have analysed the idea that Mean-on-Purpose behaviours are acts that are intentionally mean, cruel, or rude and are designed to hurt someone. The have looked at why people might revert to these unkind actions as a result of hurt feelings, insecurity or misunderstandings and have practising responding with empathy and open communication.
Respectful Relationships
The Respectful Relationships Curriculum has continued to run along side our Friendology Curriculum and in recent weeks, the students have been delving into concepts such as positive coping in times of stress and help-seeking.
Our Foundation students have begun to explore respect and compassion for everyone by looking at and challenging negative gender stereotypes. They have been developing an understanding of what stereotypes are in a wide range of contexts and have been reflecting on these through guided discussions.
In years 1-4, our students have explored positive coping strategies and have examined different ways of coping when we have heightened emotions or things get stressful and overwhelming. The students have participated in discussions with their peers, brainstormed, made posters and acted out various ways the try to shift our mood and mindset. Below is a beautiful poster made by the students in 3MG about all the different ways they cope with stress.
In the senior school, our students have been looking at the idea of help-seeking. Research has shown that encouraging and fostering help-seeking behaviours is one way to improve mental health and wellbeing in young people. The students have looked at why we might need to seek help, as well as people and organisations we could turn to in times of need.
It is important to normalise help-seeking behaviour and build the skills and knowledge that young people need to confidently seek support in times of challenge.
As always, please feel free to reach out for more information about anything related to Friendology, Respectful Relationships, student wellbeing or individual concerns you may have. I am contactable via compass, through the office or via email – louise.jarvis@education.vic.gov.au
Have a lovely weekend,
Louise Jarvis
Wellbeing Specialist Teacher