Victoria’s Respectful Relationships initiative supports school leaders, educators and school communities to promote and model respect and equality. It teaches children the skills to build healthy relationships, resilience and confidence.
These lessons aim to teach respect for everyone, regardless of their gender, age, culture, race, religion, sexuality, disability, family circumstances or background. The content is age-appropriate and supports students to develop empathy, include others, manage challenges and seek help when needed.
Schools play a critical role in creating a culture of respect within the school and broader community. We know that positive changes in attitudes and behaviour are most effective when respect, inclusion and equality are reflected in classroom learning and consistently modelled throughout the school community.
Students learn to recognise, understand, express and manage emotions. They develop emotional vocabulary, self-awareness and empathy and learn to respond appropriately to the emotions of others.
Students identify strengths and positive qualities in themselves and others. They explore how strengths, culture, family and role models can guide their choices, relationships and responses to challenges.
Students explore productive strategies for managing difficult thoughts, emotions and experiences. They practise calming techniques, positive self-talk and seeking support.
Students develop critical and creative thinking skills to address personal, social and ethical problems. They learn to identify problems, consider possible solutions and evaluate the consequences of different choices.
Students learn to recognise the causes and physical signs of stress. They develop practical self-calming, relaxation and coping strategies to manage stressful situations effectively.
Students learn that seeking help is a positive and important response when problems are too difficult to manage alone. They identify trusted sources of support and practise asking for help for themselves and others.
Students examine how gender norms and stereotypes can influence people’s attitudes, behaviour and opportunities. They learn about identity, equality, inclusion and respecting people of all genders.
Students learn about respectful, safe and equal relationships, consent, personal boundaries and bodily autonomy. They develop skills to recognise and respond to unsafe or harmful behaviour, support others and seek help from trusted adults.
Links to the Respectful Relationships lessons taught at each year level are provided below. If you have any questions or concerns about the content, please contact the Principal.