Last Wednesday night, parents, staff and students participated in an engaging and empowering URSTRONG Language of Friendship workshop, designed to support them in building healthy, positive relationships.
If you missed the workshop, a recording can be found here.
I would really encourage you to watch as there were many practical tips for parents to help their children with friendships especially when things get tricky.
Throughout the session, students explored what it means to be a good friend and developed a shared language to help them navigate everyday social situations. They learned how to identify friendship fires (small problems that can be managed independently) and mean-on-purpose behaviour, as well as practical strategies to respond with confidence and kindness.
A key focus of the workshop was helping students understand the difference between normal friendship conflict and bullying, empowering them to take ownership of their friendships and seek help when needed. Students also practised using “quick comeback” responses and assertive communication to stand up for themselves in a respectful way. The focus was placed on students teaching others how they want to be treated.
This common language is incredibly valuable across the school, as it promotes consistency and gives students the tools to solve problems, strengthen friendships, and build resilience.
We encourage families to continue these conversations at home by asking your child about the URSTRONG strategies they have learned. Supporting students to use this language in everyday situations helps reinforce these important social and emotional skills.
We are proud of the way our students are embracing these concepts and growing as confident, respectful members of our school community.
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Encourage Green-Zone Friendships with this activity: Must-Haves, Deal-Breakers, & Ice-Cream!
Try out this interactive tool: Friendship Fire or Mean-on-Purpose? Pop over to URSTRONG’s BLOG with news & advice and be sure to check out their PRESS page for interviews & podcasts!
Sarah Leary, Assistant Head of Primary: Lower Primary