Student Wellbeing

Year 6 Student Leadership

Well done to all of our Year 6 students who have been selected for their leadership roles next year. We know they will represent our school with pride. We look forward to seeing you shine in 2026!

Canteen Team: Georgia M (Captain), Max B, Zach C, Henry H, Mace P, Will R, Zara S, Marlee S, Jack W

Environment Team: Ryanna J (Captain), Zack G, Maya G, William M, Landon R, Alistair V, Scarlett W

Library Team: Jacob B (Captain), Eassa A, Jacob S, Chelsea S, Zachariah S, Bette S, Archer S, April Y

Office Team: Angela M (Captain), Arabella J, Sophie K, Flynn O, Archie P,  Frankie Q, Jordan W, Harvey W

Technology Team: Aiden O (Captain), Aydin A, Liam C, Aydan J, Julian K, Lucas M, Aryan S, 

Zachary V

Building Resilience in Primary-Aged Children

At Park Orchards Primary School, we know that developing resilience is one of the most important skills a child can learn. Resilience helps children adapt to challenges, cope with setbacks, and approach new experiences with confidence. Throughout their primary years, students will inevitably face moments of disappointment, such as not being selected for a leadership position, missing out on an award, or encountering social or academic challenges. While difficult, these experiences offer valuable opportunities to build resilience.

Learning to manage disappointment is a key part of growing up. When a child does not receive the leadership role they hoped for, it can feel disheartening. However, with guidance and support, this moment can become a powerful learning experience. It helps children understand that effort matters, outcomes aren’t always guaranteed, and that there are many meaningful ways to contribute and shine within the school community.

As psychologist Robert Brooks reminds us, “Resilience is not a trait we are born with; it is something we learn.”

As we approach the end of the year, resilience also plays an important role in helping children navigate the transition to a new class. Moving into a different learning environment, building relationships with a new teacher, and adjusting to new routines can bring a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Supporting your child to approach this change with confidence helps develop the skills they will use throughout their schooling. Talking openly about what’s ahead, acknowledging any worries, and reassuring children that feeling uncertain is normal can make a big difference. Encouraging them to reflect on times they have handled change successfully, keeping consistent routines at home, and emphasising the support of trusted adults all help reinforce their confidence.

Here are some ways parents and carers can help build resilience both now and as students prepare for next year:

• Acknowledge their feelings: It’s okay for children to feel upset or uncertain. Listen, validate, and give them space to express themselves.
• Focus on effort and growth: Praise their commitment, attitude, and courage in putting themselves forward, rather than the outcome.
• Reframe the experience: Help them see the bigger picture—leadership is more than a badge, and a new class is a chance to learn, grow and make new connections.
• Encourage problem-solving: Ask what they might try next time or how they can contribute positively in their new class.
• Model resilience: Share stories of times you experienced disappointment or change, and what helped you adapt.
• Highlight their strengths: Remind them of the many ways they make a positive impact, both socially and academically.

At school, we support all students to find their strengths, take risks, and build confidence in a safe and nurturing environment. Setbacks and change are not obstacles; they are opportunities for growth. By guiding children through both the highs and the lows and reminding them that challenges help them grow, we strengthen their ability to bounce back, adapt, and thrive now and into the future.