Social and Emotional Learning
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

Social and emotional learning is a focus for our school, and since the students have returned to full-time face to face learning, this continues to be a focus. During the many weeks of isolation in their homes, the children were required to find creative ways to occupy themselves. Playing with others at school requires children to learn to cooperate and negotiate with their peers. This is very different from playing with their siblings or adults, who often will give way to the younger members to keep the peace or prevent conflict. Playing with peers is very different, as children of younger years do not have the maturity to empathise or compromise with each other. 

Understandably some of the concerns that parents have is how do their children manage the social and emotional aspects of school. These elements are part of the Personal Development section of the Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) curriculum. They include making friends, learning how to work with others and knowing how to be more responsible for yourself. Other aspects include how to manage feelings and get on with others. This kind of learning starts from a very early age; many years before children start school. 

Teachers help children manage social and emotional skills at school on a daily basis. Much of my role in student management is related to helping children develop the social skills necessary for them to be able to serve their needs, as well as consider the needs of others. As parents, this is a key factor of your parenting and just like at school this happens on a daily basis. Based on the discussions I have had with parents some of the topics in this area include, coping with frustrations and worries, getting along with others, solving problems, learning how to play safely and appropriately and using their words not their hands. Interestingly these skills are lifelong skills and are needed by people of any age. Research says that explicitly teaching these skills has a positive impact on wellbeing. 

The kinds of social and emotional skills that are important for children to develop have been outlined in the Mental Health Initiative Publication, 'Mind Matters' these include; 

• Self Awareness: understanding feelings, self-confidence 
• Social Awareness: respecting and understanding others, and appreciating differences between people 
• Self Management: managing, making friends and emotions, being able to set goals and stick to them 
• Responsible decision making: choosing wisely and thoughtfully and 
• Relationship skills: cooperating communicating, making friends and resolving conflict 

Being able to manage feelings, getting on with others, and solving problems, really helps children learn better and feel better. It is hoped that as the recent restrictions continue to ease, there will be an opportunity for your children to participate in playdates and for them to continue to learn and practice the very important skills above.

Mr Green
Assistant Principal