Relationships Revolution
‘There is a revolution happening in our education systems, and it's so needed. We're realising the critical importance of focusing on how children feel at school before we focus on academic outcomes… Teachers and the schools who understand the critical importance of relationships as a foundation, and integrate it into their everyday, are life-changers.’ - Karen Young, Psychologist
I’m pleased to say that the ‘relationships revolution’ in schools (as outlined in the above quote) is not a revolution at Mosman Prep. We have long recognised and prioritised relationships. The Mosman Prep Community is defined by its open and trusting relationships, deep connections, partnerships, and the sense of belonging we all share. We are committed to prioritising a community where children (and adults) feel safe, welcome, cared for, and valued.
‘The research is so clear - when children feel safe, cared for, and valued, the learning part of the brain opens wide up. Learning and engagement increase, anxiety is reduced, and critical incidents of big behaviour decrease. On the other hand, without felt relational safety, the brain will focus on getting ‘safe’ rather than learning.’
Simply put, living amid warm relationships is protective of both body and mind. For children, the concept of protection and safety is a particularly important one. Life can be extraordinarily hard at times, but warm connected relationships protect against stress and the hardships of life, enabling children to develop grit, persistence and determination.
How can parents help?
- One of the best things parents can do is to let their children know they (the parent) trust the teacher to care for the child and like the child. It’s okay not to feel this straight away – trust takes time – but until you feel it, your child won’t either. If you trust your child’s teacher, let your child know: ‘I’m excited to get to know Mr Jones. I’ve heard good things about him.’
- When your child’s teacher says anything positive about your child, let your child know. If you haven’t heard anything positive, ask the teacher to let you know something your child has been doing well or is improving on.
- If you aren’t sure about the teacher yet, that’s okay, but if you aren’t sure, what must happen to help you feel more certain that your child is in strong, loving hands? Perhaps meet with the teacher to develop your own connection with them.
- We have an exceptional teaching and general staff team at Mosman Prep. However, they need relational safety too. No human can be the best version of themselves, and no human can keep giving when they are feeling depleted, unsupported, or as though what they are doing doesn’t matter. We need to make sure our teachers and general staff feel seen, safe, cared for, valued. Our children can’t be the best they can be without them.
The Mosman Prep Community is defined by its open, trusting and respectful relationships, deep connections, partnerships, and the sense of belonging we all share. We are committed to prioritising a community where children (and adults) feel safe, welcome, cared for, and valued.
It will be exciting to witness the strengthening of existing relationships and the forging of new relationships which will be a feature at Mosman Prep in 2024, and the subsequent positive impact this will have on the development of our boys.
Peter Grimes | Headmaster
Reference:
How to build relational safety at school - and why it's so important
- Karen Young (Psychologist)
