Student Wellbeing
Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships
At Park Orchards Primary School, we support student wellbeing through resources from The Resilience Project and the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships (RRRR) program. Since the RRRR program may be new to some families, we’d like to provide some context and information.
Respectful Relationships became a core component of the Victorian Curriculum in 2016 as a whole-school approach to promoting respect, positive attitudes, and healthy relationships. It helps children develop resilience, confidence, and an understanding of their rights, while also addressing gender stereotypes and respectful relationships in an age-appropriate way.
As part of our Wellbeing curriculum at POPS, students engage in evidence-based activities that support their social and emotional development. These lessons provide opportunities to learn about keeping safe, understanding emotions, and building positive connections with others.
The RRRR program is a key part of our commitment to nurturing the wellbeing of every child. By equipping students with the skills to navigate challenges and maintain healthy relationships, we empower them to contribute positively to our school and the wider community.
Key Components of the Program
The RRRR program covers eight important topics, each designed to help students develop a wide range of social and emotional skills:
- Emotional Literacy: Students learn to understand and express their emotions. This helps them to communicate their feelings effectively and develop empathy for others.
- Personal Strengths: This topic focuses on identifying and building on individual strengths. It encourages students to recognise and use their unique abilities to achieve their goals.
- Positive Coping: Students are taught strategies to manage stress and cope with challenges in a healthy way. This includes problem-solving skills and techniques for staying calm under pressure.
- Problem-Solving: This topic helps students develop critical thinking skills. They learn how to approach problems systematically, consider different solutions, and make informed decisions.
- Stress Management: Students learn about the causes of stress and how it affects their bodies and minds. They practice relaxation techniques and other methods to reduce stress.
- Help-Seeking: This topic emphasises the importance of seeking help when needed. Students learn how to ask for assistance and identify trusted individuals they can turn to for support.
- Gender and Identity: Students explore concepts related to gender and identity, promoting understanding and respect for diversity. This topic helps to create an inclusive school environment where everyone feels valued.
- Positive Gender Relations: This topic teaches students about respectful relationships and the importance of equality. It encourages positive interactions and helps prevent gender-based violence and discrimination.
Why is RRRR Important?
The skills and values taught in the RRRR program are essential for the overall development of our students. By learning about resilience, rights, and respectful relationships, our students will be better prepared to handle social and emotional challenges, leading to a happier and more harmonious school environment. These lessons also extend beyond the classroom, helping students to become respectful and responsible members of the broader community.
This program is taught in all Victorian schools as required by the Department of Education. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
As our students learn more about Respectful Relationships, we encourage you to review the school's Inclusion and Diversity Policy. Please find the document attached.