Assistant Head of Primary P-4 and Curriculum Leader P-4

Pastoral Update

Friendship is kindness in the Jubilee Year of Hope

You may recall from previous Veritas Voice publications that Del Monte began the year with the pastoral theme, Everyone Belongs and Building Connections. Over the past few weeks, students have delved more deeply into practical ways to enhance their connections with others by investigating kindness as a vehicle for building strong relationships. This was explored through the pastoral theme, Friendship is Kindness. Research shows that children who are kind to others are more socially accepted and experience enhanced wellbeing. In other words, children who are kind, are more well-liked by their peers, have stronger connections in their friendship circles and enjoy improved wellbeing. 

Three of the key lessons students have learned is that kindness is a choice, being kind to others strengthens our relationships, and being kind on purpose (intentional kindness) helps us feel good about ourselves. By choosing kind words, using gentle hands, interacting with kindness, and displaying kind body language in the playground, classroom, and at home, we build trust and demonstrate respect.

As we celebrate the Jubilee Year of Hope in 2025, Pope Francis encourages us to search for signs of hope in everyday life – through acts of kindness, a friendly smile, or expressions of gratitude. May we encourage intentional kindness in our children and in ourselves; that we all may BE signs of hope through our kind actions, words, and appreciation for the kindness we encounter.

Respectful Relationships

Our Friendship is Kindness theme paved the way for our third pastoral theme for 2025, Respectful Relationships. This theme focused on embedding a culture of respect and equality across the school community. 

Respectful relationships are fundamental to creating a positive and inclusive school environment. These relationships are built on mutual respect, understanding, and empathy. Whilst exploring this pastoral theme, students learned to recognise the importance of treating others with kindness, listening actively, and valuing diverse perspectives. Fostering these values, also helps to equip children with the skills to resolve conflicts peacefully, communicate effectively, and build strong, supportive friendships. In our school community, we emphasise the significance of respect and equality, ensuring that every child feels valued and included. 

Teachers used picture books to provoke thoughtful discussions and activities to dive deeply into practical ideas and strategies students can use to develop empathy and understanding, resolve conflict, process big emotions and step outside their comfort zone. Some of the books used include Lionel and Me by Corrine Fenton & Tracie Grimwood and Respect, written by Aunty Fay Muir and Sue Lawson, and illustrated by Lisa Kennedy.

Lauren Petroni
Assistant Head of Primary P-4 and Curriculum Leader P-4