A message from the Principal
Building Resilience in Children: Our Shared Commitment
As we approach the mid-year break, it's an opportune moment to reflect on the importance of resilience in our students' development. At St Kilda Park Primary School (SKiPPS), fostering resilience is a key school value and priority, empowering students to navigate challenges with confidence and adaptability.
Integrating Resilience into Our Curriculum
Our commitment to building resilience is evident in various aspects of our school programs:
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL): Through our SEL curriculum, students engage in activities that promote self-awareness, self-regulation, and interpersonal skills. These lessons are designed to help students understand and manage their emotions, set positive goals, and establish healthy relationships.
Instilling Grit and Perseverance: We encourage students to embrace challenges and persist through difficulties. By setting high expectations and providing support, we help students develop a belief that, through hard work and determination, they can grow their learning and improve in any area they choose.
- Play Leaders Program: Our Play Leaders Program provides an opportunity for Year 5 and 6 students to undergo training in leadership skills to organize and run a series of sports games designed for all students to enjoy. The program offers Play Leaders new leadership skills and confidence, while creating a positive and encouraging environment for all participants. The program runs during lunchtimes on selected days.
School-Wide Practices Promoting Resilience
Beyond the classroom, our school culture reinforces resilience through:
Restorative Practices: When conflicts arise, we employ restorative approaches that focus on understanding, accountability, and repairing relationships. This method teaches students to resolve issues constructively and empathetically.
Student Leadership Opportunities: By participating in student councils and other leadership roles, students develop confidence and decision-making skills, further enhancing their resilience.
- Extracurricular Activities: Engagement in sports, arts, and clubs provides students with avenues to pursue interests, face new challenges, and build a sense of achievement.
Partnering with Parents: The Lighthouse Approach
In his insightful article, Lighthouse Parents Have More Confident Kids, Russell Shaw emphasizes the importance of parents serving as steady guides for their children, rather than overprotecting or micromanaging them. He introduces the concept of "Lighthouse Parenting," where parents provide a stable presence, offering guidance and support while allowing children to navigate challenges independently.
Shaw shares personal experiences illustrating how a parent's reaction can significantly influence a child's response to adversity. For instance, when his toddler fell while playing, the child's reaction depended on Shaw's response. If he remained calm, the child would brush off the fall; if he showed concern, the child would become distressed.
This approach aligns with our practices at St Kilda Park Primary School, where we encourage students to develop resilience by facing challenges and learning from them. By allowing children to experience and overcome difficulties, they build confidence and independence.
For parents interested in exploring this concept further, you can read the full article here: Lighthouse Parents Have More Confident Kids.
Looking Ahead
As we continue our journey, we remain dedicated to nurturing resilient learners. We encourage families to engage in open conversations about challenges and to celebrate efforts and progress. Together, we can equip our students with the tools they need to thrive both academically and personally.
Neil Scott
Principal