Last week, in Week 3 of the term, Lex from the Parenting Place came into the Tall Poppies class to talk about friendships and the meaning of real friendship.

Lex talked about the different sorts of friendships . Firstly guy-guy friendships, and how these friendships are more physical and activity-based, while girl-girl friendships involve are more verbal-based activities, sometimes about the weirdest things! Then we have girl-guy friendships, a mix of both genders, and this being a great way to get to know the opposite gender in an inclusive, platonic way.

Lex gave us six hot tips on how to have a great friendships:

1. Be positive - always be happy and don't say negative things to others.

2. Remember the good times - make sure you remember what great times you've had with your friends . Treasure these moments.

3. Be a good listener - make sure you always listen to others and help them out if you can.

4. Always be friendly - everyone loves a smile, a high five or you could even try out the Kiwi salute - ´sniff and nod´ at the same time.

5. Remember others’ names - everyone likes to hear their name. It makes them feel noticed.

6. Be you - Don't change who you are just to hang out with others. You are you and no one can change that.

Here is what some of the Tall Poppies thought of the Friendship factor session:

¨I thought he was funny, informative and he tried to put his words until positive light to make it less serious¨ - Joshua Crisp, Year 7

¨I thought that he was very funny. I learnt how to have a successful Hi-5¨ - Dency Tasi, Year 8

In summary, having a true friend is a wonderful thing . They can comfort you when you're down. Or make you laugh so hard you pee your pants when they say something funny. I would like to end with a quote: 

A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of honey - Winnie the Pooh