At Garrang Wiliam Primary we use the School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) as our framework to support every interaction we have with our students and our families. Respectful Relationships is embedded in all levels of this framework. The Respectful Relationships initiative educates our students on how to build healthy relationships, resilience and confidence.
At Garrang Wilam Primary School we use the Rights Resilience and Respectful Relationships (RRRR) learning materials to support our students to develop social, emotional and positive relationship skills. Research shows that students who participate in well taught social and emotional learning programs demonstrate more positive social behaviour, are less likely to engage in risky and disruptive behaviour and show improved academic outcomes. We undertake the learning activities in a collaborative environment to help build their social skills to increase their emotional literacy, build self-awareness and empathy for others.
This mandated curriculum promotes social and emotional skills and positive gender norms in children and young people. The Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships learning materials are assessed in the Victorian Curriculum areas of Personal and Social Capability and Health and Physical Education.
The eight topics we cover each year include:
- Emotional Literacy
- Personal Strengths
- Positive Coping
- Problem Solving
- Stress Management
- Help-Seeking
- Gender and Identity
- Positive Gender Relations
In 2022 we have been selected as a lead school to implement a whole school approach to Respectful Relationships. This role involves mentoring and supporting a cluster of other primary schools to undertake this important work. We recognise that our school is not only a place for education, but a workplace and a community hub. Respectful Relationships enables our educators and our school communities to promote and model respect and equality with all stakeholders.
One of the main objectives of the initiative is to build resilience in young people. The attributes of resilient young people include:
- social competence
- a sense of agency or responsibility
- optimism, a sense of purpose or hope for the future
- attachment to family, to school and to learning
- problem-solving skills
- effective coping styles
- pro-social values
- a sense of self-efficacy
- positive self-regard
Through this work we hope to create genuine and lasting change so that every student in our community has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
For more information about respectful relationships, visit:
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/Pages/respectfulrelationships.aspx