Mental Health in Primary Schools: Friendship
Ally Johnston
Mental Health in Primary Schools Leader
Navigating challenging friendships can be difficult for both children and parents. It’s natural to feel concerned when your child experiences ups and downs with their peers, especially when emotions run high or friendships shift unexpectedly. These moments, while tough, are also valuable opportunities for growth, learning, and building resilience. Below is an analogy that may help explain friendships in a way that makes these experiences easier to understand and talk about with your child.
Friendship is Like a Ship
Friendship can be compared to a ship sailing through life. On this ship, different types of friends play different roles – some help you sail forward, some drift nearby, and some, unfortunately, weigh you down.
🚢 The Anchor
The anchor represents friends who pull you down. These are the ones who might put you down with their words, make you feel small, or stop you from being your best. They can keep you stuck in a place where you don’t grow.
These are the friendships I would choose to let go of – to cut the rope and move on from. Life’s too short to be held back by people who don’t lift you up.
🌊 The Buoy
The buoy is a friend who floats around you – they’re there, but not really helping you grow. They don’t challenge you when you make a poor choice, and they don’t encourage you to be better. They might be kind or fun to hang around, but they don’t really support you in making good decisions or reaching your potential.
⚙️ The Engine
The engine is the most powerful part of the ship – it keeps you moving forward. A friendship like this is strong and meaningful. This friend pushes you to be your best, encourages you when things get tough, and isn’t afraid to challenge you if you’re heading in the wrong direction. They ask questions, help you reflect, and support your growth.
An engine friend is someone you want to hold onto – they help you become the best version of yourself.
So, think about your friendships:
- Are they helping your ship move forward?
- Are they just floating nearby?
- Or are they dragging you down?
Choose your crew wisely – they help steer your life. Be the Captain of your ship!
Kindness Carriers
Last Friday we presented our first St John's Kindness Carriers with their awards.
These students have been selected by their classroom teacher. They have been recognised for their kindness. They will now have a special job as Kindness carriers.
Kindness carriers will be great role models and will also be identifying other students they see who display acts of kindness.
In a world where people can be mean we want to showcase the strong positive behaviour.
These students will meet regularly with Ms Ally and work together to identify and acknowledge kindness.
Congratulations to
Jaeger Saxon, Chloe Harvey-Bredden, Matilda Eddy, Charlie Hemeter, Clare Bickerton, Tyler McCole, Charli Leach, Darci Law, Bethel Sibanda, Will Swift
Florence Ivill ,Matilda Burten ,Chloe Deelan, Finn McWilliam, Chloe Gilliland
Harry Leach, Pippa Enright and Beau Rendon
Click to access past resources