From Mr Lindsay

This Week's Focus

Hi families, 

This week I want to talk about some behaviours we have noticed an increase in over the beginning of Term 4. Staff have observed a number of students who are becoming ‘hands on’ when surrounded by their peers. Whilst it is rare that any of these incidents have malicious intent, they can quickly escalate and become unsafe. 

At Teesdale Primary School, we have a hands-off policy. Students are not to use their hands to touch or control others. We understand and communicate with our students that at times you might give a friend a high-five, encourage them with a pat on the back or play a game of tag which might require a light touch but using our hands to grab, tackle, hold or direct another person is never acceptable. 

There are many reasons we take this firm approach and they all come back to the same thing, ensuring all of our students are safe and feel comfortable when they’re at school. 

Classroom teachers and staff who are on active supervision duty in the yard are having these conversations regularly with entire classes and when incidents are taking place, with students individually. When an incident takes place, it is likely that you will also be notified. 

When supporting our students after a conflict, we focus on providing the space for our students to communicate their needs with others. 

To do this, all students involved have a restorative conversation. 

- When (state the behaviour that occurred) 

- I feel (state the emotion you feel as a result of the behaviour) 

- Next time (state the behaviour that you want to see instead) 

For example: 

When you pushed me during lining up time 

I felt scared because I didn’t know why you were pushing 

Next time can you please use your words and I will move out of your way 

Often conflicts occur when needs have not been discussed or met. By showing students how to communicate with others, and giving them the phrases to say, we can help them communicate their needs to prevent a conflict from occurring. 

I’d also encourage you to have these conversations at home, especially if your child/ren are in Foundation – Year 2 (which is where we are seeing this behaviour increase). The key points to touch on with your child/ren are: 

- Students are not to use their hands to touch or control others. 

- Whilst it may be meant in a friendly way, these incidents often escalate and result in someone being hurt 

- Using our hands to grab, tackle, hold or direct another person is never acceptable. 

- We have these rules to ensure everyone feels comfortable and is being safe at school. 

Speak soon, Rhys