Deputy Principal's Report

Ensuring Safe and Inclusive Play

We all want our children to enjoy their time at school, especially during break times and playtime. The playground is a place where kids can burn off energy, socialise, and develop important social skills. However, it’s also a place where issues can arise, particularly when competitive play leads to exclusion or unsafe behaviours. 

St Finbar's is committed to ensuring that all children have a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable playground experience. As a school we track behaviour usings an online tracker. Here we can see trends and areas that may be hot spots that create teachable moments.

Understanding the Current Challenge

We've noticed a trend of increased competitiveness among boys on the playground, which has sometimes led to exclusionary practices. Some children are being left out of games, leading to feelings of isolation and frustration. Additionally, overly competitive play can result in unsafe behaviours, putting children at risk of injury.

Our Approach

To address these issues, we've implemented several strategies:

Extra Adult Supervision

We have increased the number of adults supervising the playground to ensure that children are playing safely and inclusively. These adults will work on promoting positive interactions and will guide children towards pro-social behaviours.

Positive Reinforcement of School Rules

During our weekly assemblies, we reinforce the importance of following school rules and playing safely. We highlight examples of good behaviour and recognise students who demonstrate inclusive play and kindness. A social story for playing safely is created and delivered to all classes to ensure a consistant message from Prep to Year 6.

Role-Playing Scenarios

We use role-playing activities to teach children how to handle competitive situations and resolve conflicts peacefully. These scenarios help children practise empathy, teamwork and effective communication.

Modifying Games for Inclusivity:

We modify traditional playground games to ensure they are more inclusive. This might involve changing rules to ensure everyone gets a turn or introducing games that emphasise cooperation over competition.

Promoting a Variety of Games:

To prevent any one game from becoming too competitive, we encourage children to play a variety of games. This helps children develop different skills and reduces the likelihood of exclusion based on skill level.

How You Can Help

Your support at home is crucial in reinforcing these positive behaviours. Here are some ways you can help:

Discuss Playground Experiences

Talk to your child about their day and their playground experiences. Ask open-ended questions to understand how they feel and if they are encountering any issues.

Promote Inclusivity

Encourage your child to include others in their play, especially those who might be left out. Discuss the importance of empathy and kindness.

Emphasise Safety

Reinforce the importance of playing safely. Explain why rules are in place and how they help keep everyone safe.

Model Positive Behaviour

Children learn a lot by observing adults. Model inclusive and respectful behaviour in your interactions with others.

Provide Alternatives

Suggest different games and activities your child can introduce to their friends. This can help diversify their playtime and reduce the focus on competitive games.

Celebrating Success

We believe that recognising and celebrating positive behaviour is key to promoting a safe and inclusive playground environment. If you notice your child practising these behaviours at home or hear about them from their teachers, celebrate these moments. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in encouraging children to continue acting in pro-social ways.

By working together, we can create a playground environment where every child feels safe, included and happy. St Finbar's is committed to this mission, and with your support, we can make a significant positive impact on our children's social and emotional well-being. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to reach out to us. Let's work together to ensure our children have the best possible playground experience.

Thanks for all your support,

Peggy McDonald & Steele Anderson

Deputy Principals