RELATIONSHIPS AT LAURISTON

At Lauriston we have used the Seven Cs of resilience developed by American pediatrics specialist, Dr Ken Ginsberg to enhance our personal development curriculum from the junior to the senior years. The Seven Cs are interrelated components. For example, children and young people who contribute to their community will gain confidence and feel more competent. Children and young people who have a sense of control believe in their ability to solve problems and this enhances confidence and competence in looking for solutions.

Relationships are fundamental to the 7 Cs and along with connectedness which is why Relationships and Engagement in Life are among our core values. We offer many opportunities for our girls to learn about and practice establishing and maintaining friendships with their peers.

• Our personal development program from the primary years gives attention to how to make and maintain friends and how to negotiate obstacles or barriers within friendships.

• Through our co-curricular program we encourage girls to have a wide set of social connections where they have the opportunity to make friends with peers who share their interests.

• Our House system enhances the ability of our students to make connections with their friends and school. House sports, drama and music provide examples of activities where our girls were not only connected with their peers, but they also built their levels of confidence and competence through their participation.

Connection: Close ties to family, friends, school and community creates a solid sense of security that produces strong values and a strong sense of belonging to the wider world.

Confidence Those who experience their own competence and know they are safe and protected develop a deep-seated security that promotes the confidence to face and cope with challenges.

Competence Achieved through developing a set of skills to handle situations effectively through actual experience, competence allows children and young people to trust their judgements, make responsible choices, and face difficult situations.

Character: A fundamental sense of right and wrong ensures children and young people are prepared to make wise choices and contribute to the world.