From the Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing

From the Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing

URstrong in the Junior School

Following on from combined feature article from the Principal and Deputy Principal in this newsletter, it is timely to know what specifically goes on in the Junior School to educate students about how to treat others with respect, to stand up for oneself and others.

URstrong is the foundation from which much of our Pastoral Care program is based. The URStrong approach is to distinguish between normal conflict (friendship fires) and Mean-on-Purpose behaviour. This forms part of our bullying prevention plan.

This plan is age and stage appropriate, with school-wide positive relationship strategy at the centre. It is designed to shift school communities towards a culture of kindness and respect. The key factors include:

  • A consistent, whole-school approach so that teachers and parents are using the same language to support students
  • A skills-based strategy that empowers students to self-govern and make healthy choices in their relationships
  • Kid-friendly language and pedagogy that promotes learning, retention, and application of knowledge and skills
  • Proactive system that teaches interpersonal skills and conflict-resolution at a young age

The word ‘mean on purpose’ is used rather than ‘bullying’ as it is easier for young students to understand. This complements the School’s code of conduct and information in the MLC School diary’s Anti bullying strategies for students, p.150.

Another resource I came across recently is a The Parenting Couch podcast Stop the Bully: Proven Strategies to Empower Your Child Justin Coulson, psychologist and founder of the website ‘Happy Families’ and past speaker at MLC School is interviewed.

Below is an overview given by the Podcast:

In this powerful episode, we dive into one of the hardest challenges facing kids and parents today: bullying. Joined by leading parenting expert Justin Coulson, we uncover what’s really at the heart of bullying behaviours, how they impact young minds, and, most importantly, the steps we can take to create safer, kinder spaces for our children. 

  • What bullying actually is (and what it isn’t)
  • How a parent should support their child if they suspect or know they are being bullied.
  • Steps that parents can take to help their child build resilience and self-confidence in the face of bullying.
  • How to address bullying with the school or teachers without escalating the situation?
  • The situation when it might be okay to talk directly to the child’s parents
  • When should parents consider involving professional help, like a counsellor, to support their child?
  • How parents can talk to their kids about cyber bullying.
  • What can parents do if they discover their child is the one engaging in bullying behaviour?

Justin’s insights and heartfelt advice give parents the tools to support their kids, empower them with resilience, and stand up against the cycle of hurt.

I encourage parents/carers to reach out at any time you feel you or your child needs some extra support or to talk through any concerns you may have.

– Joanne Sharpe
Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing