28 October 2021
Blessed are the peacemakers – like Oscar!
Posted in Chaplaincy
How can water be stronger than rock?
The answer to this question is one that Collingwood Park State School students like Oscar are learning through Chappy Kylie’s Rock n Water program – and it’s having a great impact throughout the school and beyond.
Oscar, who is now in Grade 6, used the skills he learned through the program to break up a fight on the soccer field [not at school], explains Chappy Kylie.
“Oscar used the Rock n Water concepts when things got a bit heated with some boys on the [soccer] field. He was able to help defuse the situation by saying, “be more like water!” which means, be flexible and calm, instead of being a ‘rock’ which is being strong and refusing to back down,” says Chappy Kylie.
“The elements of ‘rock’ and ‘water’ are an easy illustration for young people to understand, especially when there are a number of kids who come into the program with a lack of self-confidence.
“We’ve been working together to identify each child’s strengths and where they might need some extra help, so we can equip them with tools to grow in those areas.”
It takes guts to speak up in front of your peers, but Oscar says he felt more confident after joining the program.
“Before Rock n Water I was pretty nervous getting in front of big crowds, but I’ve learnt how to overcome those situations, and not get mad at every problem,” he says.
“Because of Rock n Water, I’ve learnt ‘water’ is more powerful than ‘rock’ and how to see things differently.”
Chappy Kylie is thrilled by the progress she’s seen, and encouraged that a number of teachers have also taken part in the training.
“Our school hosted the training event so a number of teachers could take part. It gives them the right language to talk to the kids, and we can chat about it in staff meetings, which is really cool.
“It’s really important for young people to be able to relate the activities to real-life situations. We call it ‘crossing the bridge’. It really affirms them and builds their confidence, and that’s what we saw with Oscar.”
“Going into the program, there were kids with low self-confidence. The problem is if you don’t feel like you’re worth anything, you take what everyone else says on board. This program shows young people that they do have strengths and they do have something to offer.”
Through your generous support young people like Oscar have the chance to uncover their God-given strengths. To keep this vital work going, head to suqld.org.au/donate
