An ISS Tradition, the Juletrefest, wel - the International School of ...

Mi d d l e- a n d Pr im a r y Sc h o o l Co u n s e l o r’s No t e sCan we t alk. . . ?Hello-Safety has been a topic that students and administration have spent time researching and investigating. Grade 5 researched on howmuch reflector material students at all levels at ISS wear. Teachers and administrators have looked at safety on the playground andvisited classrooms. One area that you could help us is by reminding your kids about safety when walking to and from the bus stopor walking to and from school.Wh a t t o r e m i n d c h i l d r e n a b o u t :• Wear a reflective vest and reflective covering onbackpack.• If age appropriate, carry a cell phone with an ICE number(In Case of Emergency).• Encourage neighbourhood children to walk in groups.• Remind your child to never accept a ride or gift from astranger that you have not identified as a trusted person.• Avoid getting too close to a stranger’s vehicle.• If you are being harassed by someone in a car turn aroundand walk back the way you came. The driver would have tostop and turn around or go in reverse.• Carry a whistle.• Encourage your child to be confident about saying “No”.• Encourage child to trust their feelings.• Tell a trusted adult or appropriate stranger (bus driver,police, store clerk) immediately if approached by astranger.• Try to remember facts about the car and person.Ho w t o r e m i n d c h i l d r e n:1.2.When discussing safety use a calm and confident voice.Try not to create unnecessary fear of situations orpeople.Consider the child’s development stage:3-5 year old children are curious and naturally trusting.They respond to adults who are kind andentertaining.6-9 year old children have a clearer understanding ofright and wrong. They will more likely be able toremember specific information but could beoverwhelmed if a difficult situation presents itself.10-13 year old children may be overly confident intheir ability when confronted by a difficult situation.They may feel embarrassed if they are scared and nottake the situation seriously.3. Younger children benefit from role play and thoughtfulrepetitive reminders. Older children can also benefitfrom role play and positive open discussion.4. TALK (discuss safety), ASK (check to see what theyheard), PRACTICE (asking for help etc.).5. Reinforce these simple safety tips throughout childdevelopment.6. Maintain a sharing and open relationship with yourchild.Thank you for your time and attention. We are lucky to live in a safety-conscious country like Norway.Sincerely,Matthew ArmstrongPrimary/Middle School CounselorMArmstrong@isstavanger.noThe Informer 19 December, 2007· 5