In 2006 the explicit teaching of social skills within our school community was identified as a major focus for 2007. Proficiency in social skills influences the choices we make in life – the selection of a positive peer group, how co-operatively we work with others, our self-esteem and the potential to achieve the best we can. To that end, The Strathpine State School Superstars Program has been devised to address these skills by recognition and application of the 5Cs – CARE, COMPASSION, CO-OPERATION, COURTESY and COMMON SENSE. These five simple words can be applied to any positive social interaction.

Our Superstar program is unique in that it has been specially designed by our teachers for the Strathpine State School context. Stars have been chosen as the central theme since the 5 ‘arms’ of the star can represent the 5 C words, making them a simple, visual teaching tool. With the assistance and creative input from Ms Pauline Heaney, one of our parents, inspirational posters representing 5 rainbow colour- coded stars have been designed and issued to every classroom as a constant reminder of our Superstar program.

Even though the teaching of social skills is an ongoing practice, there will be a focus for the first eight weeks of this term in each classroom, from Prep through to Year 7. The program is integral to the first units of the year which range from ‘Who am I?’ to the People Power Democracy Units in the Middle School. Children will be keen to share their work with you. A Superstar mural will be painted by the entire student body on the Administration wall so that every student will actually ‘own’ a star. Great emphasis is placed on developing self-esteem, goal setting and prevention of bullying. Students in Years 6 and 7 will discuss their goals at their Parent/ Teacher/Student Conferences at the end of Term 1. We will hold a culminating event in the form of a Friendship Fair on 23^rd March to celebrate successes in this area.

Importance is also being placed on positive reinforcement, and as a result, those students demonstrating the 5Cs in the playground will be acknowledged by teachers on playground duty. These children will be awarded a coloured star and their name will be recorded once the star is placed in a box on their teacher’s table. Weekly draws will take place to publicly acknowledge on assembly the achievements of the students.

Our weekly Student of the Week certificates have always been held in high regard but to enhance and support the program, worthy recipients will now be rewarded with a Strathpine State School Superstar polo shirt that will be theirs to keep. These shirts will bear the Superstar logo and will come in a range of the 5 rainbow colours and will only be worn on Assembly days. (Please note: Students can only be awarded one shirt throughout the year).It is hoped that by the final assemblies of 2007 we will be looking out on a whole rainbow of Strathpine State School Superstar students!

We would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank the P&C for their support of this project.