Wellbeing

Stand Up Project (SUP) – Building Future Leaders

At Burwood East Primary School, student wellbeing remains a key priority and programs such as the Stand Up Project (SUP), a student-led program, plays an important role in supporting students to develop as confident, respectful and active members of our school community. 

This is our third year of implementing this initiative, and as it becomes more embedded we are able to hone in on different aspects. This year we are focussing on further consolidating the shared language of Friendship Fires and Mean on Purpose (and understanding that Bullying is repeated, targeted Mean on Purpose) across the community and also refining supports for our students when implementing the 4Ds when they see behaviours that might be Mean on Purpose. Last year, our original Stand Up Project leaders acted as mentors to the new Year 5 leaders, which further highlighted the student-voice element of the program. This has continued into this year, with the current Year 5 team inviting the 2025 SUP leaders (now in Year 6) into their classrooms.

The 2025 SUP Leaders visited the Year 5 cohort to share their experiences and provide insight into what it means to be a SUP Leader. During their presentation, they spoke about the importance of the program, their responsibilities and how they support their peers both in the classroom and in the yard.

The Year 5 students were highly engaged and inspired by the leaders’ personal stories. They asked thoughtful questions such as what challenges the role involves, whether public speaking is required, and how often the SUP team meets. These discussions highlighted students’ enthusiasm and their genuine interest in contributing positively to the school community.

As part of their learning, students also explored key wellbeing concepts. They created posters to develop their understanding of important vocabulary, including the differences between friendship, friendship fire, mean on purpose and bullying. In addition, students learned about how to be an upstander by applying the 4Ds of bystander intervention: direct, distract, delegate and delay.

Through these activities, students developed important skills such as leadership, public speaking, problem solving and resilience. These experiences help prepare our Year 5 students as they begin to consider their future roles as SUP Leaders.

At BEPS, we are proud to provide students with opportunities that support both their wellbeing and their growth as active and responsible citizens within their community.

The Stand Up Project Leaders and the Year 5 Team