Peer Support has continued over the last two weeks and we are now halfway through the program for 2023.  Year 7 have been enjoying sessions about healthy relationships and strengthening the connections they have made as well as getting to know their leaders even more. 

Session Three - Healthy vs Unhealthy Relationships

Understanding the qualities of a healthy friendship were explored during this session. Students identified and discussed the qualities they admire and value in their friendships and explored ways to promote these. Discussing the diverse responses deepened the understanding of the students about accepting and embracing different views and different people. 

Cyber safety was also explored during this session. Students explored the importance of behaving responsibly and respectfully online. They used skills such as empathy to consider how posts or texts might make another person feel. Students explored how Cyber communication can seem faceless but have a dramatic effect on another person. 

Session Four - My View

The focus of this session was strengthening our connections. Students explored the importance of being encouraging, thankful and looking for opportunities to exercise kindness in everyday relationships. Students were led by their Peer Leaders in discussions about behaving in a friendly manner towards others while not having to be friends with everyone. Research supports the development of these important skills in building strong young people and thereby minimising unkind or bullying behaviours. 

The 3 R’s, Respect, Responsibility and Review were discussed in the context of all students and staff playing a role in creating a safe and supportive school. The activities during this session explored the emotions that are felt when people are disrespectful to students or their friends. Students brainstormed ways of responding to this disrespectful behaviour that will cool the situation down and keep the 3R’s in mind. Research supports the influence that Bystanders and Upstanders can have on unkind or bullying behaviour. 

I encourage you to ask your young person to share with you some of the ideas they have learnt over the last 2 weeks. Please visit the Student Wellbeing Hub and gather ideas on supporting your child in contributing to the positive environment at school. The next two sessions will focus on relationships and how to address conflict.

Mrs Brooke Tomajka

Stage 5 PALS Coordinator