Deputy Principal's Report

Learning to Get Along

We recently attended a professional learning day focused on "biological primary skills", which are crucial for interacting with the environment and people who are in it. These skills encompass fundamental abilities such as communication, social interaction, and emotional awareness. Unfortunately, schools nationwide are observing a decline in these skills among children entering school. Factors such as increased screen time and the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on play-based learning experiences have been suggested as possible causes.

Without these primary learning skills, children may struggle with essential aspects of social interaction and emotional understanding. They may find it challenging to work cooperatively, understand others' emotions, or navigate social situations confidently.

To address this issue, our school is implementing new strategies to emphasise the importance of primary skills alongside traditional academic subjects. Some key strategies we are immediately implementing include:

• Providing opportunities for children to work and play together fosters the development of communication, cooperation, and empathy. Collaborative activities can include group projects, team sports, or cooperative games.
• Teachers will actively model effective communication techniques, such as active listening, turn-taking, and expressing oneself clearly. Children learn by example, and seeing these skills demonstrated regularly will help reinforce their importance.
• Through stories, role-plays, and discussions, teachers will explicitly teach empathy and emotional intelligence. Understanding others' feelings and perspectives is a crucial aspect of social competence.
• We will create a supportive environment where children feel comfortable discussing their challenges and conflicts. Teaching them positive conflict resolution strategies will empower them to handle disagreements constructively.

As parents, you play a vital role in supporting your child's development of primary learning skills. We encourage you to engage in conversations with your children about being positive friends, understanding different emotions, and coping with challenges. Set up play dates, play games with your children to model turn taking, talk about you own feelings when certain things happen. 

Most importanly, Remember that learning these skills takes time, patience, and understanding. Mistakes will happen, but with all of our support, every child can grow into the best version of themselves.

Thanks for all your support,

Peggy McDonald & Steele Anderson

Deputy Principals