And now a word from
Mrs Richards...
Welcome to Term 3! I hope you all enjoyed two weeks away from the routine of lunch boxes and uniform washing. I certainly had a lovely, lazy couple of weeks where I churned through a few jigsaw puzzles (The Mona Lisa was particularly challenging!) and enjoyed time in the mornings to enjoy a cup of tea, the newspaper and Wordle. I did visit Lightscape at the Melbourne Botanical Gardens during the break, it is wonderful if you get a chance to go.
We have begun the term revisiting our ‘Learning to Learn’ processes that we established at the start of the year. We are reinforcing acceptable and unacceptable behaviours and ensuring that expectations of behaviour are clear. A big focus for us all in Term 3 will be RESPECT.
At Parkdale Primary school, we believe that respect is one of the fundamental values that create a positive and supportive learning environment. Respect helps everyone feel safe and valued, allowing us to focus on learning and growing together. Here is why respect is so important and how we can practice it every day.
What is respect?
Respect means treating others the way you want to be treated. It involves listening to others, valuing their opinions, and being kind in our words and actions. Respect isn't just about how we interact with others; it also includes respecting ourselves, our school, and the environment.
Why is respect important?
- Fosters a Positive Environment: When everyone treats each other with respect, our school becomes a happier place where students feel comfortable and eager to learn.
- Builds Trust and Relationships: Respect is the foundation of trust. By showing respect to our peers and teachers, we build strong, positive relationships that help us succeed in school and in life.
- Encourages Cooperation: Respectful behaviour encourages teamwork and collaboration. It allows us to work together, share ideas, and solve problems more effectively.
- Promotes Safety: A respectful environment reduces bullying and conflict, making our school a safer place for everyone.
- Teaches Responsibility: Respecting rules and guidelines helps us understand the importance of responsibility and accountability.
How can we show respect?
- Listen Actively: Pay attention when someone is speaking. Show that you value their thoughts and feelings.
- Use Kind Words: Speak to others in a polite and positive manner. Words have power, and kind words can make a big difference.
- Follow Rules: Respect the school's rules and guidelines. They are there to ensure everyone's safety and well-being.
- Take Care of Property: Treat school property and the belongings of others with care.
- Include Everyone: Make sure everyone feels welcome and included. Be kind to new students and help those who may need it.
By practicing respect in our daily lives, we contribute to a community where everyone feels valued and supported.
