by Student Wellbeing Leader Victoria Corbett
This term we have been working to develop leadership opportunities for upper primary students. 53 students have participated in training sessions and are volunteering their time to be ‘Play at Lunchtime’ Monitors and Peer Mediators.
The ‘Play at Lunchtime’ program is an initiative aimed at encouraging students to engage in structured play during lunch and recess times by taking part in a range of games and activities including skipping and chasing games like What’s The Time Mr. Wolf? and Catch Me If You Can.
The program promotes physical activity and leadership and gives students something fun and engaging to do in their breaks. The training gives students knowledge of how to organise and lead small games and activities for their peers.
The program aims to develop leadership skills such as organisation, communication and teamwork; build confidence and self-esteem; be responsible for leading their peers and groups of younger students; increase the variety of play experiences available for the students promoting physical, social and creative opportunities; improve student’s choices and positive behaviours at recess and lunch and to reflect and evaluate on what is working and areas for further development.
Peer Mediation is another student leadership opportunity which encourages students to take responsibility for their actions by working together to find solutions to conflict. Peer Mediators work in pairs to assist other students to resolve conflict through a structured process.
The aim of the Peer Mediation Program is to increase awareness of how conflict can affect peoples’ lives, improve communication, teach students skills such as listening, critical thinking and problem solving and empower students by having them take greater responsibility for resolving their own disputes.
The leaders have embraced these new opportunities and they are providing a valuable service to the rest of the students. It is wonderful to see these programs working in a proactive way to assist with creating a better play environment for our school community.
