From the Deputy Principal's Desk
Harmony, Inclusion and Supporting Friendship Growth
This week, our school community recognised Harmony Day through shared activities, wearing orange, inclusive games, and opportunities to reflect on the importance of belonging. Harmony Day reminds us that everyone deserves to feel safe, valued and included, and that our differences strengthen our community.
At school, kindness, respect and inclusion are values we aim to practise every day. Friendships are an important part of school life, but children are also learning that friendships can sometimes be complex and require patience, understanding and resilience.
It is normal for children to experience disagreements, misunderstandings, changing friendship groups and moments of disappointment. These situations, while often difficult, are important opportunities for social growth. Learning how to solve problems, communicate feelings, listen to others and recover from setbacks helps children develop confidence and resilience.
As adults, it can be tempting to step in immediately and solve friendship problems for children. While support is important, children also benefit when they are gently guided to think through challenges themselves rather than having every issue resolved for them. Encouraging children to reflect on what happened and what they could do next helps them build lifelong social skills.
At school, we often encourage children to ask themselves: Will my next action be helpful or hurtful to this situation? This simple question helps children think carefully about how their words and actions can either calm a problem or continue it.
Sometimes friendships change, and not all friendships can be maintained or continued in the same way. When this happens, we encourage all children at Resurrection School to be allies to one another. Even if children are not close friends, they can still show respect, kindness and maturity in the way they interact.
Being an ally means choosing helpful actions—such as giving space, speaking respectfully, including others when appropriate, and avoiding behaviours that may escalate a situation. Hurtful responses often lead to problems continuing, while thoughtful actions help children move forward positively.
Some simple ways parents can support friendship growth at home include:
- encouraging your child to explain what happened before offering solutions
- asking questions such as “What could you do next?” or “Would that help or hurt the situation?”
- reminding children that not every disagreement means a friendship is over
- helping them understand that friendships naturally change over time
encouraging problem-solving before adults step in
It is also important to remember that concerns about incidents that occur at school should always be addressed through school staff. It is never appropriate for a parent to approach another child or another family to discuss school behaviours or incidents. School staff are responsible for investigating concerns, supporting all children involved, and ensuring situations are managed fairly and appropriately.
Of course, there are times when adult support is needed, particularly if a child feels unsafe, repeatedly excluded or distressed. In these situations, working together between home and school helps us provide the right support.
By allowing children to experience manageable challenges, while knowing trusted adults are there to guide them, we help them grow into capable, respectful and resilient members of our community.