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Staff model and teach Respectful Relationships between students, staff and families

The Respectful Relationships whole-school approach recognises that schools are a workplace, a community hub and a place of learning. Everyone involved in our school community deserves to be respected, valued and treated equally.

We know that changes in attitudes and behaviours can be achieved when positive attitudes, behaviours and equality are lived across the school community, and when classroom learning is reinforced by what is modelled in our school community.

Yarrabah School is committed to ensuring that employees work in an environment where people are treated with mutual respect. It is important for a productive and harmonious workplace that employees are aware of the impact of their behaviours on others.

School Workplace Behaviour and Social Media Policy and Procedure

Key Principles

1. Individualized Approach: Lessons are tailored to student’s cognitive, communication, and emotional abilities.

2. Hands-On Learning: Use real-life scenarios, role-play, and visuals to make concepts concrete.

3. Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate small wins to encourage respect and kindness.

4. Trauma-Informed Lens: Ensure a safe, supportive environment, mindful of students’ diverse needs.

How It’s Taught Across Stages

Yarrabah’s four learning stages (Early Years, Primary, Lower Secondary, Upper Secondary) allow for a scaffolded approach:

1. Early Years (2.8–5)

   • Focus: Basic social rules like sharing and saying “please.”

   • Methods: Songs (e.g., “Share with Your Friends”), puppet play, and turn-taking games.

   • Example: Use a “Kind Hands” chart—students stick a star when they help a friend.

2. Primary Years (5–12)

   • Focus: Understanding feelings and boundaries (e.g., “I like this, I don’t like that”).

   • Methods: Picture stories (e.g., Social Stories™), group circles to practice “I feel…” statements, and sensory-friendly role-plays.

   • Example: A “Friendship Tree” where leaves are added for acts of kindness.

3. Lower Secondary (13–15)

   • Focus: Consent and peer respect (e.g., asking before hugging, listening to “no”).

   • Methods: Videos with simple scenarios, peer buddy activities, and teacher modeling (e.g., “Can I join your game?”).

   • Example: Role-play Yarrabah Cafe scene—practice waiting turns and saying “thank you.”

4. Upper Secondary (16–18)

   • Focus: Relationships beyond school—family, work, community (e.g., respecting coworkers).

   • Methods: Work skills lessons (e.g., Vocational Pathways Certificate), community outings (e.g., café visits), and discussions about rights and responsibilities.

   • Example: Create a “Respect Pact” for a mock workplace, signed by students.

Tools and Strategies

• Visuals: Use Yarrabah’s school rules (“I will be kind, safe, responsible”) with icons in every classroom.

• Curriculum Link: Tie to “Rights, Responsibilities, and Respectful Relations” (a Yarrabah committee focus), using Victorian Curriculum F-10 2.0 Personal and Social Capability strands.

• Staff Collaboration: Teachers, therapists, and wellbeing staff co-plan lessons—e.g., speech therapists reinforce “yes/no” communication for consent.

• Calmer Classrooms and Making Space for Learning (ACF): Leverage framework’s “calm corners” and predictable routines to teach self-regulation as a relationship skill.

Embedding School Values

• Tolerance: Teach waiting and accepting differences—e.g., “It’s okay if they play differently.”

• Respect: Model courtesy—e.g., staff say “please” and “thank you” consistently.

• Integrity: Encourage honesty—e.g., “I didn’t like that, let’s fix it together.”

• Care & Support: Highlight helping—e.g., “You held the door, that’s caring!”

Practical Examples

• Daily Check-In: Morning “Weather Report” (e.g., LifeSkills Go platform) where students share feelings, linking to “How can we help each other today?”

• Playgroup Tie-In: Friday family playgroups model respectful interactions—staff guide parents to reinforce at home.

• Peer Mentors: Upper Secondary students buddy with younger ones, practicing leadership and respect.

Measuring Success

• IEP Goals: Track progress in Personal and Social Capabilities (e.g., 76% goal achievement in 2024, up from 37% in 2023).

• Student Voice: Surveys (e.g., 89% felt safe in 2024) show connectedness and trust.

• Parent Feedback: Aim for high ratings in “school services” and “communication” (e.g., 94% in 2024).

Challenges & Solutions

• Challenge: Limited communication skills in some students.

  • Solution: Use AAC (e.g., picture boards, sign language) to teach “yes/no” or “stop.”

• Challenge: Emotional regulation difficulties.

  • Solution: Pair with regulation strategies (e.g., Alert Program) to calm before and during teaching.

• Challenge: Staff capacity.

  • Solution: Collaborative planning via committees—spread the load, share ideas.

Wrap-Up

Teaching respectful relationships at Yarrabah isn’t just a lesson—it’s woven into daily life, from the pool to the horticulture zone. By meeting students where they’re at, using fun, hands-on tools, and living our values, we’re building a community where every student learns to connect with kindness and confidence.