Assistant Principal's Page
Grant Rounsley
Social Stencil Small Group Program
Supporting Connection, Confidence and Belonging
This semester, Valkstone is pleased to be offering the Social Stencil Small Group Program to a small number of students. This program complements our Berry Street Educational Model (Tier 1) approach and aligns with the Department of Education’s Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships and Building Respectful Relationships initiatives.
The Social Stencil Program is an evidence-based, neuroaffirming social-emotional learning program designed to support students to better understand themselves and others. Through engaging, structured activities, students explore how different people think, communicate, learn, and connect in social settings.
Two of our wellbeing staff, Lianne Kelly and Julie Kilpatrick, facilitate the program and work closely with students in a small group setting. Their sessions focus on building social and emotional understanding in a way that values individual differences and strengths, while supporting positive peer relationships.
Across the program, students have opportunities to explore:
Different friendship styles
Communication and listening styles
Understanding why peer conflict can occur
Strategies for social problem-solving
Recognising their own and others’ social and emotional needs
Groups are formed with care to ensure students feel comfortable, supported, and able to engage meaningfully. Consideration is given to:
Student interest and readiness
Similar learning and communication styles
Age or year level
Shared interests where possible
Sessions include interactive games, paired activities, and whole-group discussions that encourage connection, reflection, and skill-building in a supportive environment.
The wellbeing team will be inviting a small number of students to take part in this term’s Social Stencil Small Group Program. Families will receive information from the school outlining the program and next steps, including a consent form.
If you have any questions about the program, please contact the Wellbeing team for further information.