“Kindness is a choice”, “Words and Actions Matter”, and “Anger is OK, Violence is Not” were among simple but powerful messages Irymple Primary students captured in handmade posters after a visit from the Pat Cronin Foundation.
Irymple was first on the list when the violence-prevention charity kicked off its annual trip to Mildura (February 16-18).
More than 160 students from Grades 4 to 6 learnt about understanding emotions, managing anger and defusing conflict during a powerful “Think Carefully Act Kindly” presentation developed specially for younger children.
They created the posters to highlight key takeaways from the day, which encouraged them to recognise triggers, consider the consequences of their actions and learn practical ways to calm themselves in difficult moments.
Deputy Principal Ben Milsom said he brought the program to the school after seeing its impact firsthand.
“I first heard about the Foundation when one of my teenage sons came home talking about a Foundation visit to his high school last year,” Mr Milson said. “I could see how the messages had resonated.
“To help reinforce what students had learnt at Irymple we encouraged them to create posters, which are now on display around the school.”
Pat Cronin Foundation director Matt Cronin said one of the goals of school presentations was to spark conversations in the family home.
“We’ve connected with almost 5000 students in Mildura over the past three years. It has always been our aim to have students go back and discuss the messages with their parents and siblings as well as friends outside school.
“In this case of Irymple Primary School, it’s exactly the ripple effect we’re trying to create.”
