Last week saw Year 7 participate in Session Five of the Peer Support program - Make it Work. Students discussed skills for effective conflict resolution including understanding perspectives, empathy, listening and responding. Students were led through activities that explore the fact that conflict and disagreement between friends is a very normal occurrence and as such some conflict can be avoided and other conflict can be worked through with a smooth resolution. It is important for your young person to learn these skills and have the opportunity to practise them.

Relationship conflict can occur when actions and words are misinterpreted or perceived differently to the way they were intended. Students explored strategies to repair relationships after an argument. Activities led students to discover tactful ways of communicating with others, so conflict is minimised. A range of successful strategies and responses were shared and explored with a clear understanding that everyone has the right to be treated with respect. This approach also applies to online interactions and behaviour.

I encourage you to keep open communication with your child regarding all behaviours and build understanding how important it is to be kind to others as we never know what they’re going through. Ask your child to look for opportunities to be kind.

Mrs Brooke Tomajka

Stage 5 PALS Coordinator