Wellbeing & Inclusion
at Willy
Respectful Relationships at Willy Primary
For many years, Williamstown Primary has taught the Victorian Department of Education’s Respectful Rights, Resilience and Respectful Relationships program, which supports students to build positive relationships, manage emotions, and treat others with care and respect.
The main objective of the program is to help children develop the skills and attitudes needed for healthy relationships, emotional wellbeing and respectful behaviour—both now and into the future. Learning is age-appropriate and focuses on creating safe, inclusive and supportive school communities.
The program is structured around eight core topics taught across all year levels:
1. Emotional Literacy
- Understanding and naming emotions
- Recognising emotions in others
- Expressing feelings in healthy ways
2. Personal and Cultural Strengths
- Identifying individual strengths
- Building self-confidence
- Appreciating diversity in abilities
3. Positive Coping
- Managing stress and strong emotions
- Problem-solving skills
- Resilience and help-seeking strategies
4. Problem-Solving
- Conflict resolution skills
- Negotiation and compromise
- Making safe and respectful decisions
5. Stress Management
- Recognising stress triggers
- Relaxation and regulation strategies
- Healthy lifestyle habits
6. Help-Seeking
- Identifying trusted adults and supports
- Knowing when and how to seek help
- Understanding support services
7. Gender Norms and Stereotypes
- Exploring gender stereotypes
- Respecting diversity and inclusion
- Understanding equality and fairness
8. Positive Gender Relations
- Challenging harmful gender norms
- Building respectful, equal relationships
- Understanding the impact of violence and discrimination
At Williamstown Primary, we deliver this program over a two-year cycle in conjunction with our Willy Kids are Friendly Kids program.
In 2026, the Respectful Relationships topics covered are:
Term 1: Emotional Literacy
Term 2: Personal and Cultural Strengths
Term 3: Gender Norms and Stereotypes
Term 4: Stress Management
Please find below an overview of the Emotional Literacy topic which aims to help students understand their own feelings and the feelings of others and respond in healthy and respectful ways.
Topic 1: Emotional Literacy - Learning Across Prep to Year 5–6
PrepStudents learn to recognise and name basic emotions and understand that people may feel differently. Activities include stories, picture cards, role-play, and class discussions.
Year 1–2 Students explore a wider range of emotions, learn that feelings can change, and practise safe ways to express emotions and seek help. Activities include story-based learning, calming strategies and sharing experiences.
Year 3–4Students learn to manage strong emotions, identify triggers, and develop empathy and perspective-taking skills. Activities include group discussions, problem-solving and reflection.
Year 5–6 Students develop strategies to regulate complex emotions, communicate respectfully, and make positive choices in challenging situations. Activities include scenario-based learning, mindfulness, and goal setting.
At home you can support this program by:
- Talking openly about emotions – Encourage your child to name their feelings and explain why they might be feeling that way.
- Modelling healthy emotional responses – Show how you manage frustration, disappointment or excitement in calm and respectful ways.
- Reading and discussing stories together – Ask questions like, “How do you think that character felt?” or “What could they have done differently?”
- Validating feelings – Let your child know that all feelings are okay, even if some behaviours are not.
- Practising calming strategies – Use simple techniques such as deep breathing, quiet time, or taking a short break when emotions feel overwhelming.
- Encouraging problem-solving – Support your child to think of possible solutions when conflicts arise, rather than solving problems for them.
- Promoting empathy – Talk about how others might feel in different situations and encourage kindness and perspective-taking.
- Keeping communication open – Create regular opportunities for your child to share their thoughts, worries and successes.
These small, everyday conversations and actions help reinforce the skills our Willy Kids are learning at school and strengthen their emotional confidence and resilience.
Kind regards,
Lisa Leydin Anna Swan
Assistant Principal Learning Specialist
Disability, Inclusion & Wellbeing Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader