In our shared school environment, the language students use—both what they say and how they say it—is fundamental to our collective culture. Our words don't just shape individual relationships; they directly reflect the Gospel values and shared identity of our Catholic community. By encouraging students to communicate with kindness, respect, and honesty, we actively foster a culture of dignity and care for every person. This resource is designed to help families guide children in using language that strengthens positive relationships with peers, staff, and all adults.
The song Words Matter was developed by ARIA-nominated songwriter CJ Shaw and producer Matthew Storen with the students from Mt St John's Primary School, Dorrigo.
Sing-along Clip: Words Matter
Listen to the song and discuss the themes.
- The Power of Words: Words have a direct and significant impact on others' feelings and situations. They can be used to ’build others up’ or to ‘tear down’.. The song teaches students to ‘think before we speak’ and use words that are kind, sincere, and true.
- Respectful Communication: The song promotes the ‘golden rule’ of treating others well. It focuses on using polite and kind language—such as saying ‘please,’ ‘thank you,’ and ‘excuse me’ —not just with peers, but also when communicating with adults like school staff and family.
- Problem-Solving and Reconciliation: A central theme is using words to move ‘from conflict to kindness’.. The lyrics encourage children to use calm words to solve small problems, teaching them how to apologise and take responsibility to mend what's broken. This is the foundation for peaceful problem-solving.
Music & Lyrics
Peaceful Problem Solving
Visuals to use to support you in teaching your child about respectful communication to express their feelings and problem solve. We encourage you to remind your child to tell an adult if they believe they are being bullied.
‘I’ Statements
I feel….This is the essential first step. It encourages your child to name their feeling (e.g., sad, frustrated, left out). It focuses on their experience, not blaming the other person.
When You...This clearly and calmly describes the specific action that caused the feeling.
(e.g., ‘...when you take my toy,’ or ‘...when you interrupt me.’)
Could You Please...This is the solution step. It asks the other person for a specific, positive action to solve the problem or prevent it from happening again. (e.g., ‘...could you please ask before you take it?’)
This structure uses respectful words to "mend what's broken" by focusing on feelings and solutions, rather than just arguing or escalating the conflict.
Resources
Finding A Win-Win Solution
This visual provides a variety of positive, respectful solutions for when a conflict arises. The goal is a "win-win situation", where both people get some of what they want and feel good about the outcome.
When you see a small conflict, ask, "What win-win solution can you choose from the list?"
Resources
Problem-Solving Process
This visual outlines a structured, step-by-step approach to solving disagreements, promoting dialogue and cooperation.
Acknowledge the conflict. This validates that something needs to be addressed.
Take a breath to cool off: Pause. This is the vital "Stop" part of the "Stop, Think, Do" strategy, preventing angry words from being used.
Listen and share respectfully: Use kind words and active listening. Each person gets a turn to use ’I feel…’ statements, showing respect even when they disagree.
Problem solve: Brainstorm solutions together. Encourage your child to think creatively about options.
Together, choose a solution: Agree on an action. The key actions listed (apologising, taking responsibility, compromising, or agreeing) are the specific kind and respectful words they should use to finalise the agreement.
Resources
Peaceful Problem Solving
This visual expands the range of choices and introduces a distinction: knowing the difference between something annoying and bullying.
Options for Peaceful Solutions: It combines elements from the other posters, offering alternatives like: Talk It Out (using 'I' statements), Share, Take Turns, Do Something Else, or even Paper-Scissors-Rock for a quick, fair decision.
Ask for Help: This is an important choice when children can't solve the problem alone, or if they feel unsafe. Using their words to ask an adult for help respectfully. This is important if they think they are being bullied.
Resources
The Golden Rule: All these visuals ultimately reinforce the Words Matter song's message: "treat others how you wanna be treated." By teaching these respectful words and steps, you are giving your child the tools to be a good friend, family member, and classmate.
