Learning & Wellbeing @  ASPS

Curriculum Day with Berry Street: Strengthening Connections for Learning

On our recent curriculum day, staff came together to strengthen our collective understanding of strengths-based and trauma-informed practices through an engaging workshop with Berry Street. The day provided rich opportunities for reflection, connection, and practical learning, reinforcing our commitment to building safe, inclusive, and supportive environments for all students and staff.

A key theme was the power of micro-moments of connection. Small, regular interactions that build trust and belonging for students. We revisited regulation strategies such as circle meetings and consistent routines, acknowledging how these practices create predictability and safety in classrooms.

We also explored Unconditional Positive Regard (UPR), a mindset that separates student behaviour from the student themselves. This approach encourages warmth and compassion, even in moments of challenge, and reminds us to look for the underlying needs behind behaviours.

Our Berry Street facilitator highlighted the role of teachers as safe havens and secure bases for students. Through discussion and role play, we practiced strategies for repairing ruptures, scaffolding independence, and reframing “attention-seeking” as “connection-seeking.” These practices strengthen trust and resilience, while ensuring every child feels valued and understood.

Staff practiced using process praise (specific, effort-based feedback), “golden statements” for giving directions, and active constructive responding to student successes. We also explored de-escalation tools such as “pause, breathe, one-liner” responses and bounded choices, which help reduce stress and maintain connection during challenging moments.

The day concluded with a focus on next steps: embedding shared routines, modelling positive language, and supporting one another in developing consistent, school-wide practices. By continuing to align our approaches, we strengthen not only our classrooms but our whole school community.

This curriculum day reminded us of the importance of connection between staff and students, and among colleagues and the community, and the role of compassion, predictability, and collective care in fostering a thriving school environment.