Wellbeing at TPS

Supporting Our Students

At Teesdale Primary School we are consistently checking in with our students to ensure they are safe, happy and feel connected to our school community.

In recent conversations I’ve had with many students in the classroom environment and in the yard, there has been a common theme. Knowing where to get help if someone is hurt or feeling upset.

I’m happy to report that most students could articulate the different people/ways they could ask for help. However, some struggled to identify what they would do if a peer was hurt or upset. 

If a student feels upset or is hurt, there are many people at Teesdale PS who can help. 

If a student feels upset, they should:

• speak to their class teacher and/or
• speak to a teacher on yard duty if they feel upset or need help during recess or lunch. Please ask your child to look for a teacher in a high-vis jacket if they need help at break time. 

It is a good idea to encourage your child to advocate for themselves by asking for what they need. Once they get used to asking for things, they will find that this skill supports them often at school (and in life).  

Teachers are experts at identifying students who require additional support during learning activities, but occasionally they may not be aware a child needs support. If a child needs help in a lesson, they should speak to the child sat next to them or put up their hand to request support from a teacher. 

If a child needs help with resolving conflict, or because they are worried about something, they should speak to their class teacher (or the teacher of the lesson they are currently in) as soon as possible. As their class teacher is with them for most of the day, students should be encouraged to speak to the teacher directly (rather than waiting for their parent to do this). This will help solve their issue quickly and ensure that they learn the skills to seek help. Help-seeking is a vital skill which we rely on heavily throughout our lives! 

If your child is worried about saying anything or asking for help, please reach out to their class teacher for them. 

At the dinner table tonight, please ask your child: "At school, where can you get help if you are hurt, or feel upset?"