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 Blessed Sacrament, the wellbeing of our students is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating a nurturing environment where every child feels safe, supported, and valued.
Dedicated Leader of Wellbeing
We have a dedicated Leader of Wellbeing guiding our comprehensive approach. Responsibilities of our wellbeing leader include: regular wellbeing check-ins with students and staff, providing workshops and training for parents and staff, collaborating with external agencies and ensuring that well-being initiatives are inclusive and accessible to all students and staff.
Our Wellbeing Initiatives:
1. Positive Learning Environment: We foster a positive and inclusive learning environment where respect, kindness, and empathy are at the core of our school culture. Every student is encouraged to build strong, healthy relationships with peers and teachers.
2. Grow Your Mind Program: We proudly implement the ‘Grow Your Mind’ program, which empowers students with the tools to enhance their mental wellbeing. Through engaging activities and lessons, students learn about the brain, emotional regulation, and strategies for maintaining a positive mindset. This program helps students build resilience, reduce stress, and improve their overall mental health.
3. Mental Health Support: Our dedicated staff includes a trained counsellor and leader of wellbeing who provide ongoing support for students’ mental health. We offer individual counselling sessions, group workshops, and mindfulness activities to promote emotional resilience.
4. Parental and Community Engagement: We believe that student wellbeing is a collaborative effort. We actively engage parents and the wider community in our wellbeing initiatives through regular communication, workshops, and events. Together, we build a strong support network for our students.
5. Transition: We understand that transitioning to school is a significant milestone for both students and their families. Our Wellbeing Transition Program and Preschool Visits are designed to support every child in feeling welcomed, confident, and ready to thrive in their new environment. New students are paired with a buddy to help them navigate their new surroundings and make friends quickly.
At Blessed Sacrament, we are dedicated to nurturing the whole child, empowering them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our commitment to student wellbeing ensures that every child can reach their full potential in a caring and supportive environment.