Rangeway Primary School yarning circle encourages students to work together

There’s nothing in the world more powerful than a good story, according to Game of Thrones mainstay Tyrion Lannister.

And a Geraldton primary school is channelling that with a new outdoor space to encourage students to share stories and build respectful relationships.

Rangeway Primary officially opened its yarning circle this month, built at the centre of the school as a welcoming space for everyone to meet.

A yarning circle is a meeting place used in Aboriginal cultures to encourage conversations and resolve conflicts.

The opening of the circle included a smoking ceremony, student performances and an opportunity for staff and students to commit to respect the space and the environment.

Rangeway Primary acting principal Jade Fallon said the area would help teach kids how to take turns speaking and when to listen.

She said students had already embraced the circle since its opening.

“We are really proud of the space,” she said. “It was created as a representation of reconciliation and to work towards our motto ‘working together’.

“For us it’s about being able to provide a space and avenue for the students to develop the skills that will enable them to have success post-primary school.”

Ms Fallon said the yarning circle would be open to community groups, who could get in touch with the school to arrange a time.