Positive relationships
Life is about Relationships: to self & others. At Oakhill Drive, we believe that positive relationships and wellbeing are linked and impact on each other.
Ways to build positive relationships are embedded into our school culture through our PDHPE programs.
Relationships are made up of 5 elements:
- Trust - To believe that someone is good and honest and will not harm you, or that something is safe.
- Forgiveness- To stop feeling angry or resentful towards someone who has wronged you.
- Integrity- To be honest and have strong moral principles.
- Hope- To believe in a positive future, where good things will happen.
- Compassion- To feel deep feeing of sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune. Empathy in action.
Research shows that positive relationships lead to high levels of wellbeing, increased learning and the ability to flourish.
The students, staff and parents at Oakhill Drive value kindness. Research suggests that kind acts can raise the wellbeing of both the person giving and receiving kindness.
By practising the 'Golden Rule', students are expected to show kindness to each other at all times. Staff also model and show kindness to students, colleagues and parents. We recognise that kindness extends beyond the school gate. Students are required to participate in community citizenship activities to achieve the highest school recognition awards. As a school, we demonstrate kindness and compassion to others less fortunate in the world by supporting charities and connecting with local communities.
At Oakhill Drive our students understand that relationships sometimes need fixing and can be mended.
When events occur that impact on relationships, we use the 3 step apology:
- “I’m sorry": is a STATEMENT
- “I won’t do it again” is a PROMISE
- “How can I make it up to you?” is a RESPONSIBILITY
We often teach a child to appologise, but teaching a child the act of forgiveness is important too. Choosing to forgive someone not only makes the offender feel better, but makes the forgiver feel happier too. Studies show that the act of forgiving someone can make us happier, healthier, and may help children maintain strong relationships.
At Oakhill Drive, we understand relationships aren’t always perfect. When issues arise, we use Restorative Practices to build, maintain, and repair relationships. This proactive approach focuses on repairing harm, making things right, and promoting learning, which improves self-discipline, emotional well-being, and academic outcomes, fostering a respectful school climate.
When problems happen, students are encouraged to take responsibility using restorative practice cards to guide conversations between teachers and students.
Class circles help build relationships by promoting sharing, problem-solving, respect, and teamwork. They are used both to strengthen the classroom community and as a teaching tool.