As a school, we are committed to preparing our students for the future. Current research highlights the importance of schools explicitly teaching social and emotional skills in promoting positive wellbeing and helping students to; understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and express empathy, establish and maintain positive relationships, make responsible decisions, develop resilience, and contribute to social cohesion.
These skills are especially important in the context of current research and data highlighting the range of stressors and anxieties facing young people, and the increasing incidences of mental health difficulties in young people.
The ability to accurately recognise our own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behaviour. The ability to accurately assess our strengths and limitations, with a well-grounded sense of confidence, optimism, and a ‘growth mindset’.
The ability to successfully regulate our emotions, thoughts, and behaviours in different situations — effectively managing stress, controlling impulses, and motivating ourselves. The ability to set and work towards personal and academic goals.
The ability to take the perspective of and empathise with others, including those from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The ability to understand social and ethical norms for behaviour and to recognise family, school, and community resources and supports.
The ability to establish and maintain healthy and rewarding relationships with diverse individuals and groups. The ability to communicate clearly, listen well, cooperate with others, resist inappropriate social pressure, negotiate conflict constructively, and seek and offer help when needed.
Responsible Decision Making
The ability to make constructive choices about personal behaviour and social interactions based on ethical standards, safety concerns, and social norms. The realistic evaluation of consequences of various actions, and a consideration of the wellbeing of yourself and others.
During 2020 and beyond, each classroom teacher will be using the SEL program 'You Can Do It' to address each of these topics through a variety of learning activities and topics, including; emotional literacy, personal strengths, positive coping, problem solving, stress management and help seeking.