Wellbeing

Wellbeing Leader - Mr Nick Flavel

Understanding Our Students

Wellbeing

At St Bernards Primary School, we believe that supporting children's wellbeing is an important part of helping them learn, grow and thrive. Wellbeing is more than simply feeling happy. It includes how children think and feel about themselves and others, their ability to cope with everyday challenges, their relationships with others, and the skills and strengths they draw upon when facing difficulties.

As part of our ongoing commitment to student wellbeing, students in Years 2-6 will participate in the ACER Social-Emotional Wellbeing Primary (SEW) Survey.

What is social and emotional wellbeing?

Social and emotional wellbeing describes how a person thinks and feels about themselves and others. It includes the ability to adapt to and deal with everyday challenges, develop resilience and coping skills, and lead a fulfilling life.

Importantly, children's wellbeing is influenced not only by their individual strengths and characteristics, but also by the environments around them – including their families, school and wider community.

What does the survey look at?

The ACER survey is a confidential, strength-based survey designed specifically for students in Years 2–6. It looks at two broad areas of social and emotional wellbeing.

1. Feelings and Behaviours

The survey considers both positive and negative feelings and behaviours, including:

• happiness and self-regard                                 
• feeling safe
• positive behaviour and participation
• willingness to volunteer
• worry and anger
• feeling down
• rule-breaking and bullying

2. Internal Strengths

The survey also looks at the internal strengths that help children navigate school and everyday life, including their:

• social skills
• emotional skills
• learning skills
• values and character strengths

What does completing the survey involve?

The survey is completed by students and consists of 42 statements. Students indicate whether they agree or disagree with each statement. It takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. The survey is not designed to provide a label or diagnosis for individual children. Instead, it provides the school with information about the wellbeing of our student cohorts and groups, helping us to identify strengths, positive trends and areas where we may be able to provide additional support.

How will the information be used?

The results provide information about:

• overall social and emotional wellbeing
• students' feelings and behaviours
• students' internal strengths
• positive and negative trends across cohorts
• areas of strength and areas that may require further attention

These tests will take place over the last two weeks of school this term. Please contact me nflavel@stbernardscoburg.catholic.edu.au if you have any questions or concerns.