Student Wellbeing
Tribes- Bullying No-Way!
On Monday, we held our third Tribes session for the year. At POPS, every student belongs to a multi-age Tribes group, guided by the same teacher throughout their time at school. These groups strengthen connections and create a strong sense of belonging across year levels. Our Year 6 students also play an important leadership role, working alongside their group teacher.
This week’s focus was Bullying- No Way! Students explored the different types of bullying and learnt practical strategies for what to do if they are bullied or if they see bullying happening. Instead of being a bystander, they were encouraged to become an upstander, someone who speaks up and takes positive action. Each group designed their own Superhero Upstander and discussed the powerful words an upstander can use to help stop bullying.
Supporting Inclusion and Belonging at Our School
At our school, we are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where every student feels valued, respected, and able to thrive. A strong sense of belonging is not just about friendships; it is the foundation for learning, confidence, and wellbeing.
When children feel that they belong, they are more motivated to learn, show higher self-esteem, and build positive relationships with peers and teachers. The benefits of inclusion and belonging extend well beyond the classroom, shaping a child’s growth into adulthood.
To support this, we:
- Celebrate the diversity of our students and their families.
- Create culturally safe classrooms that value different perspectives and lived experiences.
- Act quickly to address language or behaviour that is unfair or discriminatory.
- Teach students to show kindness, respect and inclusion in their daily interactions.
Families also play a vital role. Sharing cultural traditions, encouraging empathy, and supporting respectful behaviour at home helps children carry these values into school and beyond.
Together, we can ensure every student feels safe, connected, and proud of who they are — because when children feel they belong, they flourish.
💡 Parent Tips: Promoting Belonging at Home
- Celebrate Differences – Share your family’s unique strengths and traditions, and talk about respecting others’ cultures and backgrounds.
- Model Inclusion – Show kindness and fairness in your own interactions. Children copy what they see.
- Build Connections – Encourage your child to include others in games and activities, and to notice if someone is left out.
🌈 Student Tips: Helping Everyone Feel They Belong
- Be Kind – A smile, hello, or kind word can brighten someone’s day.
- Include Others – Invite classmates to join your group or game so no one feels left out.
- Respect Differences – Listen to different ideas and celebrate what makes each person unique.
When we are kind, inclusive, and respectful, everyone feels they belong at school.
Preventing and Addressing Racism in Schools
At our school, we want every child to feel safe, respected, and included. To support this, we’ve attached the Preventing and Addressing Racism in Schools Policy. This policy explains the steps we take to prevent racism and how we respond if it happens, so that all students can learn and grow in a positive environment.