Building Responsibility, One Choice at a Time

Over the past few weeks, students across the school have been exploring one of our core Respectful Relationships values: Accountability. Through class discussions, stories, and real-life scenarios, students have learned that accountability means taking responsibility for their actions, owning their choices, and learning from mistakes - especially when it’s hard.

Being accountable means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. It builds trust, strengthens character, and lays a powerful foundation for respectful relationships - both at school and beyond.

Celebrating Accountability in Action

At our most recent assembly, we proudly recognised students who have gone above and beyond in showing accountability. These students have displayed courage by owning up to their mistakes, responding respectfully in challenging situations, and being positive role models to others.

Congratulations to Eva Bailey and Theo Sharrock—your actions reflect true strength of character and set a wonderful example for our whole school community!

Supporting Accountability at Home

Parenting coach Megan Devine encourages families to build a “culture of accountability” at home, where:

• Each family member is responsible for their own actions and behaviour.
• Everyone follows shared rules and expectations.
• Each person learns to respond with care - even in emotional or stressful moments.

Try these practical tips at home:
✔ Review your family’s rules and expectations together.
✔ Ask reflective questions like, “What can you do next time to follow the rule?”
✔ Set clear and consistent consequences.
✔ Most importantly - follow through. Accountability is a two-way street!

(Source: Megan Devine, Parenting Coach)

Try This at Home: The “Circle of Control”

One simple but powerful way to teach children about accountability is with the Circle of Control activity. It helps them understand what they can control (their own choices) and what they can’t (other people, the weather, etc.).

Steps to try:

1. Draw a big circle and title it “What I CAN Control”. Write your child’s name inside.
2. Together, list things they can control (e.g., words, actions, attitude, effort).
3. Outside the circle, list things they cannot control (e.g., others’ choices, rules, grown-up decisions).
4. When challenges arise, ask: “Is this inside or outside your control?”

This tool builds emotional awareness, resilience, and responsible decision-making.

Why Accountability Matters

In Relationship, Responsibility, and Regulation, authors Kristin Van Marter Souers and Pete Hall describe responsibility as more than just completing tasks- it includes self-belief, planning, emotional control, and the ability to pause before reacting.

Here’s why teaching accountability is so important:

1. It helps communities thrive. Whether at school or home, when everyone takes responsibility for their role, the group functions better - and everyone feels safer and more supported.
2. It leads to personal success. Students learn that reaching their goals requires action-and responsibility is the first step in taking that action.
3. It builds resilience. Understanding what’s in their control helps children respond thoughtfully, rather than reacting emotionally to situations they can’t change.

 A Final Thought

When we teach accountability, we’re giving children more than a value, we’re equipping them with a life skill. Let’s continue working together to raise capable, thoughtful, and kind young people who take responsibility for their actions and treat others with respect.

Together, we are shaping a strong, respectful future - one choice at a time.

 Kind regards,

Mrs Rowe and Mrs Kemp