At our school, we are proud to instil a strong sense of the schools Core Values in our students. These values—respect, honesty, empathy, resilience, and courage—form the foundation of everything we do, guiding our students to grow into thoughtful and responsible members of society. In Middle Phase, these values take on even greater significance as students navigate the exciting challenges of this pivotal stage in their education.
In Term 3, we will be placing a special focus on empathy—a value that is central to creating a compassionate and connected community. Empathy encourages students to understand and share the feelings of others, creating a culture of kindness, support, and mutual respect.
What Empathy Looks Like in the Middle Phase
In Term 3, we aim to bring empathy to life in a variety of meaningful ways, both inside and outside the classroom. Here are some examples of how this might look:
In School
Acts of Kindness: Students will be encouraged to perform small acts of kindness, such as helping a classmate with a task, inviting someone to join their group, or simply offering a friendly smile. These moments of thoughtfulness can make a big difference in creating a welcoming environment.
Collaboration in Learning: Group projects and peer-support activities will highlight the importance of understanding different perspectives and working together to achieve shared goals.
Tutor Time Activities: During tutor time, students will participate in activities that emphasise the importance of empathy, such as role-playing scenarios, group discussions about understanding others' feelings, and brainstorming ways to show kindness in everyday situations.
Working Together as a Community
As a whole school community, we can reinforce empathy by demonstrating it consistently in our actions and conversations, both at school and at home. When students see empathy modelled by their teachers, peers, and family members, they are more likely to adopt these behaviours themselves. Open communication between school and home about the importance of understanding and helping others can further strengthen this shared value, ensuring it becomes a guiding principle for all.
At Home
Family Discussions: Parents can encourage empathy at home by having open discussions about feelings and perspectives. Asking questions like, “How do you think that made them feel?” or “What could we do to help?” can help children develop emotional awareness.
Helping at Home: Simple acts such as assisting siblings with homework or helping with household chores can create a sense of responsibility and care for others.
Gratitude Practices: Sharing moments of gratitude as a family helps children recognise and appreciate kindness, inspiring them to pay it forward.
In the Wider Community
Charity Initiatives: Students will have opportunities to contribute to community projects, such as fundraising events, volunteering, or donating items to those in need.
Neighbourly Acts: Encouraging students to show kindness in their local communities, such as helping a neighbour or picking up litter, reinforces their role as active and caring citizens.
Cultural Awareness: Activities that explore different cultures and traditions can help students empathise with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Empathy as a Pathway to Kindness
By focusing on empathy, we aim to inspire our students to make kindness a daily habit. In their classes and around the school, this might include:
Sharing encouraging words with classmates.
Supporting someone who is feeling left out or struggling.
Recognising when a friend might need a helping hand or listening ear.
Looking Ahead
As we embrace empathy during Term 3, we look forward to seeing how this focus will shape our Middle Phase students. Through their actions and interactions, they have the power to create a ripple effect of kindness that extends beyond the school gates and into the wider world.
Together, let’s celebrate and nurture the value of empathy, ensuring it remains a guiding principle for our students as they grow into compassionate, courageous, and resilient individuals.
Each year group had a unique experience, and the events were a fantastic way to kick off the school year!
Together, we can create a supportive environment that helps your child with academic success, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth.
Take a look at some of the things the students shared with their parents during their Year 1 ‘Come Learn with Me.’
We are delighted to introduce the Middle Phase Student Councillors for the academic year!
