PCYC Queensland launches picture book to explore positive relationships

Outside school hours care (OSHC) provider PCYC Queensland have launched a new children’s book which aims to promote safe, healthy friendships while also challenging behaviours which are linked with domestic and family violence. 

Written in an age-appropriate and child-friendly format, the engaging story I Expect Respect explores challenging topics like gender stereotypes, friendships, boundary setting and being kind. 

The characters in the story are a group of friends ‘with plenty of humor and heart’ who are on a school excursion.

The book was launched at PCYC Logan’s Outside School Hours Care service last month, in an event attended by Police Minister Mark Ryan, PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz, and dozens of children keen to be the first to hear the story.

“We produced this book so that we can help educators and teachers share messages about healthy, respectful relationships and help children gain a strong sense of their own worth early,” Mr Schultz said. 

“PCYC Queensland is the largest provider of OSHC services in Queensland, so our teams know the importance of embedding positive messages about relationships with others in the early years.” 

I Expect Respect is being used in all PCYC Queensland’s OSHC services, as well as primary schools, along with an accompanying set of lesson plans to support educators in guiding activities related to the book’s themes. The Facilitators Guide maps links to the Framework for School Aged Care and the National Curriculum. 

Bev Book, General Manager of OSHC at PCYC Queensland, said the OSHC team has worked with experts in family dynamics, domestic violence, and youth advocacy to develop the story and message. 

“This book holds deep meaning for us, knowing its potential to impact families, especially children navigating friendships, relationships, and their place in the world,” she said. 

“I really think this story, with its themes of friendship, handling conflict, being brave, and knowing what is right and wrong, is something that children and educators will love.” 

Police Minister Mark Ryan said PCYC’s commitment to bettering young people’s lives was unwavering. 

“This is yet another example of the efforts of PCYC to support young people in the Queensland community,” he said.

“It’s commendable that PCYC has produced a book which teaches young people about appropriate and respectful behaviours and how to develop and maintain good, healthy relationships. 

“The world we live in nowadays is not always easy to navigate and any assistance we can provide to young people to lead a better and more satisfying life is of great value.” 

Image features (L-R): Police Minister Mark Ryan, PCYC Queensland General Manager OSHC Bev Book and PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz