Dear Parents and Carers,

As Term 1 continues, and as we commence interviews with our future Kinder students, we reflect upon the important prosocial behaviours that are expected of children at different ages and stages of development.

At St Pat’s, we believe that nurturing these behaviours is essential for creating a positive and supportive learning environment.

Starting School: Building a Foundation of Kindness and Respect

For our 4–6 Year Olds, we encourage

Sharing and Cooperation: Learning to share toys, materials, and space with classmates helps build a sense of community and cooperation.

Listening and Following Instructions: Paying attention to teachers and following instructions are crucial skills that support a structured and respectful classroom environment.

Expressing Emotions Appropriately: Teaching children to express their feelings in a healthy and respectful manner helps them develop emotional intelligence and empathy.

Helping Others: Encouraging acts of kindness, such as helping a friend in need, fosters a sense of responsibility and compassion.

Respecting Differences: Emphasizing the importance of respecting and valuing the differences in others helps create an inclusive and accepting school culture.

For the 7-12 Year Olds: Strengthening Community and Character

As our students grow, it is important to reinforce prosocial behaviours that will help them thrive both academically and socially so we teach and expect

Empathy and Understanding: Encouraging students to put themselves in others' shoes and understand different perspectives promotes empathy and reduces conflicts.

Effective Communication: Teaching students to communicate their thoughts and feelings clearly and respectfully helps build strong relationships and resolve misunderstandings.

Teamwork and Collaboration: Working together on different tasks and in play time sports fosters teamwork, cooperation, and a sense of shared responsibility.

Conflict Resolution: Equipping students with strategies to resolve conflicts peacefully and constructively helps maintain a harmonious school environment.

Let's continue to work together, home and school, to help our students develop into compassionate, responsible, and respectful individuals who contribute positively to our school community and beyond.

Thank you for your continued support in fostering these important skills and dispositions in your children / our students.

Blessings

Jo