Building Resilience in Junior School at TKS
At TKS, we believe resilience is one of the most valuable skills our students can develop – the ability to navigate challenges, manage emotions, and persevere through adversity. Recently, our Deputy Head of Junior School, Sarah McKenzie, shared insights into how we nurture resilience at school and offered practical ways families can support this growth at home.
Why Resilience Matters
Research shows that resilient children are more likely to:
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Tackle new challenges with confidence
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Build stronger social relationships
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Achieve better academic outcomes
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Maintain positive emotional wellbeing
According to the Australian Resilience Survey (2022), students with strong relationships with teachers and families are 70% more likely to persevere through difficulties. These findings affirm what we see every day at TKS: when students feel supported and safe, they are more willing to try, fail and try again.
Fostering Resilience at School
Resilience is not taught in a single lesson – it’s embedded in everything we do. In the Junior School at TKS, we:
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Use growth mindset language across all year levels (“You haven’t got it yet, but you will!”)
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Celebrate mistakes as valuable learning opportunities
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Engage students in wellbeing programs like Open Parachute and classroom discussions such as Circle Time
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Teach problem-solving, conflict resolution, and mindfulness strategies
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Provide structured challenges through academics, sports, and the arts
Our calm and orderly classrooms are key. Daily routines, such as walking respectfully to class, using silent hand signals, and engaging in positive peer conversations, create a sense of safety and predictability, allowing students to focus and grow.
How Families Can Support Resilience at Home
Building resilience is a partnership between home and school. You can support your child by:
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Talking openly about your own experiences with setbacks
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Praising effort rather than just results
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Encouraging independence with age-appropriate responsibilities
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Modelling calmness during stressful moments
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Maintaining routines, especially during busy or uncertain times
These simple actions go a long way in helping children feel secure, capable, and ready to face life’s ups and downs.
A Message from the Experts
At the recent The Age Schools Summit, leading educator Dr. Tim McDonald reminded us that resilience isn’t about simply “toughing it out.” It’s about growing in environments where expectations are clear, relationships are strong, and students feel safe to take risks.
“When students know what to expect,” Dr. McDonald said, “they can focus on learning and building the emotional skills needed to bounce back from setbacks.”
Our Commitment
At TKS, we are committed to:
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Maintaining clear routines and expectations
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Building strong, supportive relationships
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Creating space for students to reflect, reset, and try again
Together, with families and staff working in partnership, we are helping our students build the resilience they need to thrive not just in school, but throughout life.
