Well-being

Well-being at GGLPS

It is essential that all students in the school feel safe and know that they belong to a supportive and caring environment. Well-being in a broad sense to us incorporates behaviour management, programs to support students socially and emotionally and the development of strategies to act responsibly and aid learning. You are encouraged to discuss these ideas and strategies with your children to reinforce what is happening at school.

Is it rude? Is it mean? Is it bullying?

A little over a year ago I wrote about the above statements. Today I want to reinforce this for those that have seen this before and introduce this to those who are new or didn’t see my post last year.

These posters are pinned up around our school and remind our students exactly what they mean. It is important that students know the difference and to also know when something may be unintentional. Distinguishing between the 3 statements helps both students and staff to know what steps to take to deal with any issues that arise.

Bullying is dealt with when it arises but there are occasions when students feel that they have been bullied but when we tackle the problem, we actually find out that it perhaps fits the criteria of rude or mean. The difference between these two words is that mean is done with intent and rude is done without intent. Mean often occurs when a child gets angry and they don’t know how to express their feelings. Rude can look like bullying at times but when put into context they are often thoughtless behaviours in response to something which is not necessarily meant to hurt anyone.

While we hope our students aren’t rude, mean or a bully, we know that when something does happen, we can address the situation and teach students how best to deal with it as well. 

Tim Kriewaldt

Deputy Principal