RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS

Three practical ways to promote positive relationships based on respect, fairness, and tolerance among young people. We live in interesting times. The Donald Trump Presidency has changed the political landscape in many ways, but particularly the way politics is waged and how the major political players treat each other. Mr. Trump’s way of dealing with people could best be described as direct and combative and, at worst, bullying and badgering. Gone are the conventions in international relationships of keeping up civil appearances in public despite what may have happened between parties in private. As he showed following a telephone conversation with Mr Turnbull, Australia’s Prime Minister, Mr Trump has few qualms about tweeting his disapproval to the world if a private conversation doesn’t go according to his plan.

In recent weeks there’s been major concern expressed right around the world about how Mr Trump ‘does politics’ – particularly his treatment of those with whom he disagrees. This high level of public protest should be applauded by parents and teachers as the tone of public discourse can easily trickle down into schools and families.

At a time when peer-to-peer bullying and disrespectful relationships are ongoing issues in many schools, parents and teachers need to be more mindful than ever of the importance of promoting positive relationships based on respect, fairness, and tolerance.  Here are three practical ways to foster positive relationships among children and young people.

1. Instil integrity in children and young people

‘Do what’s right. Not what’s easy.’ I have heard people say this to children often when social circumstances present them with a moral dilemma. Times such as when they agreed to visit a friend’s house only to get a better offer elsewhere; when they’d hurt a sibling’s feelings and they took the easy option of staying out of their way rather than approaching them to make an apology; and when they’d tell a small lie to excuse themselves from a party or school event that they were expected to attend. ‘Do what’s right’ is an integrity statement. It’s a declaration of character that’s central to children developing respectful relationships with their peers.

Every parent wants to raise kids to be fine young people. But to do this we need to instil in kids more than just skills, attitudes and positive behaviours. We need to provide a compass to help them navigate the myriad of decisions they make every day as children and as teenagers. Integrity sits at the top of that compass.

2. Walk the walk

The concern about children and young people being witness to disrespectful, combative behaviours in public figures is that these behaviours soon feel normal. The same principle, of course, applies to adults closer to home. If parents, coaches or teachers harangue, harass or bully others then these behaviours become normalised and in effect, give kids permission to act in the same ways. It’s a matter of If Mum can do it, then I can too!

Conversely, when adults treat each other, children and young people fairly; display a willingness to listen and talk things through; and show a propensity to compromise we are teaching the next generation the basics of respectful and positive relationships.

3. Talk the talk

Families develop their own proprietary language around the behaviours and attributes that are valued including integrity, respect, fairness, tolerance and other values that underpin strong positive relationships. Take the time to reflect on common statements you already use that reflect relationships based on respect and fairness. Write them down. Develop them into repeatable phrases such as, ‘Everyone deserves a fair go. Let’s talk through our disagreements. Ask before you jump to conclusions, to make them memorable. Positive relationships are taught through actions, but reinforced by common language.

At a time when the way many prominent public figures treat others can leave a fair-minded person shaking his or her head in dismay it’s worth remembering that through our own fair and tolerant treatment of others we can positively impact how children and teenagers treat others.

4. Put integrity on top of the pedestal of character traits

Every parent wants their child to have the strength and fortitude to do the right thing and not follow the crowd. This is easier for young children because the pull of the group and the allure of the media doesn’t have such a strong hold as it so often does in adolescence. Strong-willed children and those who like to have their own way can also find doing the right thing less of struggle. But the development of integrity and related traits such as respect, honesty and fairness is an important part of a child’s moral compass that will help him/her make smart decisions when you’re not around. Generally, integrity is developed in childhood and put to the test in adolescence.

In 2024 lets put some focus on developing a sense of integrity in our kids – what I think is the rock star of character traits.

SPRING IS ON ITS WAY

Wasn’t it great to have some beautiful sunny days at school this week after a cold damp winter, which is hopefully a distant memory. Everyone really notices the warmth once it arrives, and I really noticed an additional spring in the step of our students, teachers and parents during car line drop-off, recess and lunch. The season of spring is fast approaching and it’s a lovely time of the year.

BOOK WEEK CELEBRATION DAY- FRIDAY AUGUST 23RD

On Friday 23rd August, students may dress as a book character or dress to this year’s theme Reading is Magic.

Our parade will take place at 9:15am on the lower basketball court. If it looks like rain, we’ll revert indoors to our hall with a junior and senior parade. Parents and families are welcome to attend! (If wet, the senior parade will start around 10.15am)

BOOK WEEK COSTUMES- TIPS

1. Make it easy, be creative. Use what you have in your wardrobe, dress-up box or craft box.
2. Homemade costumes are awesome. Costumes shouldn’t have to cost you much.
3. Student-driven costume choices make the students more comfortable in what they are wearing and builds excitement.
4. It’s okay to work backwards from the costume to the book.
5. No costume is wrong. Movie character, book related t-shirt. Honestly, everything is okay if it makes the student (or staff member) comfortable enough to dress up. You can even make a school uniform work.
6. If you don’t have a copy of the book, print out a copy of the book cover and attach it to your costume in some way. You could safety pin it to the front or back of your costume or attach it to string or a lanyard around your neck. It makes it easy for others to see who you are dressed up as, relates it back to the book (which, let’s not forget, what it’s all about) and can make even a simple outfit a character-related costume.

Book Week is always a great fun event so get behind it, get creative and let's have a great day celebrating literacy at St Ita's.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

1. Friday 23rd August - Book week dress up
2. Friday 30th August - Father's Day Breakfast
3. Friday 20th Sept - Last day Term 3
4. Monday 7th Oct - Term 4 starts all students
5. Monday 4th Nov - Pupil free day
6. Tuesday 5th Nov - Melbourne Cup
7. Tuesday 17th Dec - Last day of term 4