Primary Years, Tarneit

How do we help our children to be caring?

We want to make caring for others a priority.  Often as parents and teachers we want them to be happy, but the happiness of others is just as important. Modelling this as adults is powerful. Speaking respectfully to others, even when we’re tired or cranky is noticed. 

We want to provide opportunities for children to practice caring and gratitude. Learning how to express gratitude (being thankful) requires practice (and modelling) and assists children in being helpful, generous, compassionate and forgiving.  Having responsibilities which benefit the whole family are important.  These don’t need to be rewarded but acknowledged as acts of helpfulness. Sharing as a family what each person is grateful for is a positive routine to develop. 

We want to expand children’s circle of care. Almost all children have a relatively small circle of people.  Encouraging them to care about someone who is outside that circle, helps them to broaden their experience of needs in the wider world. Being aware of the ripple effects of their actions helps your child develop the self-awareness and emotional maturity to be a positive member of their community. 

Maria Denholm 

Deputy Principal – Primary

Sharing Stories and Smiles – Year 2 Visit to Tarneit Skies

As part of their inquiry into how we share stories to express culture and nurture relationships, our Year 2 students visited Tarneit Skies Retirement Village to share their own written stories. The room was filled with laughter, conversation, and connection as students read with residents, shared memories, and listened to the stories of others.

This experience reflected the IB Learner Profile of Caring—showing empathy, compassion, and kindness. Lovely connections were made, filling cups and sparking joy for both students and residents alike.

It is important to be caring because you can make more friends and bring joy so people are not lonely. We were caring when we shared our stories and the residents were caring by listening carefully and asking questions about our stories. – Percy

Being caring means helping people when they are not sure what to do so they can do the right thing and then they will care for you too. – Mayra

Rebecca Moore

PYP Coordinator

Year 2 Writers Festival

Our Year 2 Writers Festival was a cosy celebration of creativity! Cushions, blankets, and couches set the scene as students shared the stories they had written, inviting families and the wider school community to join in. It was wonderful to see children confidently reading their work aloud, proudly expressing their ideas and perspectives.

This event connected beautifully to our current inquiry: “We share stories to express culture and nurture relationships.” Students explored the different ways stories are shared across cultures, reflected on why people create and share stories, and demonstrated their understanding of the creative process in crafting meaningful narratives. Through laughter, imagination, and thoughtful storytelling, our Year 2 writers highlighted how stories can connect us all, fostering understanding and nurturing relationships across our school community.

Rebecca Moore

PYP Coordinator