Positive wellbeing is fundamental to a child’s ability to learn, develop and thrive at school.
We know that when students feel supported, they are more engaged with their learning.
At Sydney Catholic Schools, we commit to providing safe, supportive and inclusive environments which nurture the wellbeing of all students and staff in our community.
Our student wellbeing policy is underpinned by the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework. The framework recognises five elements that are key to supporting the whole school community to build and maintain safe, positive relationships and wellbeing: leadership, inclusion, student voice, partnerships and support.
This is complemented by the Be You Framework, a national initiative for educators aimed at promoting and protecting positive mental health in children and young people. The integration of both frameworks supports our school communities to provide every student with the strongest foundation possible for them to reach their aspirations in learning and in life.
We have a systemic approach to wellbeing and positive behaviour with tiers of support to meet the diverse needs of staff, students and families. The offerings range from whole school initiatives, actively seeking student voice, system policies on anti-bullying, student counselling, staff training in student wellbeing, along with targeted interventions for students with complex social and emotional needs.
At St Mark’s Catholic Primary School Drummoyne the wellbeing of our students is an important part of our day-to-day teaching and social interactions. Ensuring that every child feels safe and happy at school is vital to us.
To support our work in this area of student wellbeing we have implemented:
- School Wide Positive Behaviour For Learning (SPBL) a whole school approach to student wellbeing and behaviour
- Be You framework, to improve children’s mental health and wellbeing as well as building positive relationships and partnerships with students, parents and families
- Peer support program: An annual peer-led, skills-based, experiential program that encourages peer connections throughout the school and assists students in developing practical skills to enhance social and emotional wellbeing. Our student leaders are trained to facilitate these sessions
- Student mindfulness program: to promote mindfulness
- Student led wellbeing initiatives: such as Anti Bullying day, Harmony Day and Be a Friend day
- Buddy program: which gives the senior students the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and give Kindergarten students support via a helpful senior friend
- Lunch club: to build and develop social and emotional skills
- Restorative Practice: Year 5 students are trained and act as playground mentors to support all students.
Sydney Catholic Schools rejects all forms of bullying behaviours, including online (or cyber) bullying, by maintaining a commitment to providing safe, inclusive and respectful learning communities that promote student wellbeing for learning. Staff at Sydney Catholic Schools are committed to employing wellbeing strategies that allow for a healthy school environment where bullying is less likely to occur.
If your child is experiencing bullying of any kind, or you have a wellbeing concern, we have a number of support services available for parents/carers and students, as listed below.
Support services:
- Community Police Youth Liaison Officer: Constable James Bottalico – Ashfield Local Area Command: 9797 4052
- School Counsellor: Please contact the school office (02) 9181 3042 for further information
- Kids Helpline
- Student Wellbeing Hub – Department of Education
- Anti Bullying – Department of Education
- Parent Line NSW
- Family and Community Services Helpline: 133 627
- NSW Health: (02) 9391 9000