Dear Parents and Carers,

Dr Tessa Opie – 'Puberty and Consent' Parent Workshop and student sessions (Years 4, 5 and 6)

On Tuesday August 13, Dr Tessa Opie will run a Year 4, 5 and 6 Parent Workshop to discuss puberty and the changes it brings, consent in social situations and in relationships, and boundaries. Please join us in the Chapel from 6.00pm to 7.00pm for more detail and a summary regarding what Dr Opie will be covering with the Year 5 and 6 students when she meets with them during class time on Wednesday August 14.

Please book your attendance by Sunday August 11, and see a summary of topics below. For more information about Dr Tessa Opie and her work, please see her bio.

Puberty:

The physical changes that happen and how these are normal. Many children start to develop curious thoughts about sex and puberty. Boys should never feel embarrassed - they will have many questions and there are helpful and harmful ways to find answers. They are encouraged to talk to trusted adults as websites are not a good place to find answers. The internet can be harmful and have inaccurate and misleading information and messages.
How emotions feel more powerful and more intense than before.
How children start to develop sexual thoughts and feelings.
The positive and negative social changes during puberty.

Consent:

Consent, and how it is a part of our everyday lives. When we choose a movie to watch together, we agree mutually what we want to watch. When we choose an activity or game, we agree mutually on what we want to play. We do not force the other person to watch or play what we want, and this is the same with relationships with other people. If we want to hold someone’s hand, we ask and if they say “no” or “not now” or “not yet”, that is ok. Dr Opie will explore how this would relate to a new relationship with another person.
The three rules of consent:
- It feels good for both people.
- Both people agree.
- No one feels pressured or forced.
How you are the boss of your body, but not the boss of anyone else’s body.

Boundaries:

How we must always be sure the other person is happy to be doing the things you are doing. How if you are unsure you must always ask and check, as this fosters trust and respect.
Discussion around sexual behaviour focused on hand holding, physical proximity and first kisses.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your son’s teacher in the first instance. We look forward to seeing you at this important information session.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Jon Gelsthorpe
Deputy Headmaster / Head of Preparatory School