From the Primary School

This week, the Years 5 and 6 girls participated in a URSTONG workshop led by the company’s founder, Dana Kerford.

Throughout the workshop the girls built upon their skills to assist them with something that is extremely important to them, their friendships. By Stage 3, the girls develop a greater sense of independence in the classroom and playground. With the desire for more independence comes increased responsibility to know how to maintain healthy friendships

The workshop provided girls with opportunities to learn how to create a culture of friendship that is rooted in respect and kindness and develop skills to help them confidently manage conflict. A focus on the importance of standing up for themselves, responding to situations with resilience, and how to put out “Friendship Fires” allowed the girls to explore what to do when things don’t go quite right. The importance of honesty, to always celebrate their uniqueness and to surround themselves with people who make them feel good, were messages highlighted throughout the workshop.

Coming later in 2020, Years 1 to 4 will also participate in URSTRONG workshops, see dates below. Save the date for Year 4 parents who are encouraged to join their daughter for their workshop in June.

The strategies learnt in the workshops are complemented by lessons during Form Time, where the girls can practise these skills with their teachers.

Since partnering with URSTRONG in 2017 we have experienced the power of having a schoolwide approach and language when it comes to fostering positive relationships. Perhaps you’ve heard the terms, Friendship Fire, Friend-o-cycle or Mean-on-Purpose Behaviour mentioned in conversations with your daughter. We encourage you to familiarise yourself with these processes so that we can work together to allow the girls’ relationships to flourish. Please feel free to contact Mrs Sarah Johnstone or your daughter’s class teacher to learn more. Additionally, a variety of parent resources are available on the URSRONG website.

Helen Dempsey
Head of Primary