Engagement & Wellbeing Page

A great start to 2026

It has been wonderful to see how positively students have settled into the 2026 school year. Across the school we are seeing growing confidence, new friendships forming, and children engaging with learning routines; particularly our Prep and junior students who are navigating the big transition into school.

Starting school (or returning to a new year level) is a significant developmental step, not just for children but for families too. Many parents tell us they want practical, realistic guidance to support their child’s emotional regulation, behaviour, confidence and independence at home, without feeling overwhelmed or judged.

Evidence-based parenting support we recommend

One excellent, accessible resource we encourage families to explore is the work of Dr Billy Garvey, a respected Australian paediatrician specialising in child development, emotional regulation and family wellbeing.

Dr Garvey’s podcasts and books offer:

• clear, compassionate explanations of children’s behaviour
• practical strategies grounded in developmental science
• reassurance for parents navigating big feelings, transitions and everyday challenges

They are especially helpful for families supporting children with big emotions, anxiety, sensory sensitivities or neurodivergent traits.

You can explore his resources here:

• Podcast: Pop Culture Parenting
• Books: Ten Things I Wish You Knew and Becoming Your Child’s Ally

Local parenting programs – free and low-cost

We also encourage families to take advantage of the excellent parenting programs offered through City of Greater Geelong. These sessions are evidence-based, practical and designed to build parent confidence at different stages of childhood.

Programs cover topics such as:

• starting school and managing transitions
• emotional regulation and behaviour
• building connection and resilience
• supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing

You can view upcoming courses and workshops here: 

At Surfside we Connect, Belong, & Grow 

Our Connect Belong Grow program allows us the time and space to build strong connections in the classroom between students and their new teacher(s) as well as between peers and get ready for a fabulous year of learning and growth.

Before we get heavy into our academic program we love to get each class working as a team to create a positive, supportive environment. For many years we have had the mantra of teaching our students to be SAFE, FAIR and FRIENDLY.

Our students, parents and teaching staff all contributed to choosing the school values and creating a matrix of positive behaviours to work towards. See the image below.

We are off to a flying start! Go Team Surfside!

LUNCH CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES

Here at Surfside we provide students with a range of different options for extra support and more structured play spaces throughout recess and lunch playtimes.  All of our Clubs are facilitated by teachers and designed to support any students needing either a quieter space, or a little extra support building and maintaining friendships and social play.  Our Lunch Clubs will start in the coming weeks once we have completed our Student Voice meetings to determine the type of clubs and activities that students require.  

Keep an eye out on Compass, in future newsletters, and on posters going up around the school for our regular Club schedule, and feel free to encourage your child/ren to try out a Club.