Wellbeing
Amanda Wilson | Assistant Principal
Prosocial behaviour: childen and teenagers being helpful and valuing others
At our school, we know that small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Prosocial behaviour is when children choose to help, care for and support others because they recognise that other people’s feelings and experiences matter. For primary school-aged children, this can look like including someone in a game, sharing resources, encouraging a classmate, showing empathy when someone is upset, or working cooperatively with others. The Raising Children Network highlights that prosocial behaviours help children build positive relationships, develop a sense of belonging, and contribute to a caring community.
Prosocial skills grow through everyday practice, positive role modelling and encouragement. Families and schools can support children by noticing and celebrating kindness, talking about feelings, and giving children opportunities to help others. The Raising Children Network explains that school-aged children continue to develop these skills when adults model respect, fairness and compassion, and when children are encouraged to solve problems and consider other people’s perspectives. Together, we can help our students become thoughtful, respectful and supportive members of our school community.
Upstanders: creating a community of kindness and courage
Our students are proud to be part of the Upstanders program, a partnership with Bayside City Council that empowers young people to become positive leaders in their schools and communities. The program encourages students to be an “upstander” rather than a bystander by developing the confidence and skills to speak up, show kindness, support others and challenge bullying behaviour. Through creative workshops, discussions and social-emotional learning activities, students explore the importance of respect, empathy, fairness and inclusion.
By participating in Upstanders, students learn that their words and actions can make a meaningful difference. The program provides opportunities for children to share positive messages with the wider community and encourages them to use their voices to create safer, more connected environments for everyone. We look forward to seeing our students continue to demonstrate courage, compassion and leadership as they put these values into action.
Recently our Upstanders participated in a forum day with Brighton Beach Primary School, Beaumaris Primary School, Sandringham Primary School and a representative from Bayside Council. The day was opened by our Mayor Cr Debbie Taylor-Haynes.
The students participated in activities to form collaboration between students of all four schools and worked with Sarah Bowers who has a background in musical theatre to work on a performance for an end of year concert.
