Berry Street 

At the beginning of last year, the St Patrick's staff engaged in professional learning with the Berry Street Education Model (BSEM). This model has been undertaken as a whole school and is embedded in our approach to all areas of St Patrick's school life. 

What is the Berry Street Education Model?

The Berry Street Education Model is based on classroom strategies informed by approaches to trauma-informed learning and the science of wellbeing. 

This model is broken down into five domains and focuses on using student-centred strategies, recognising the importance of strategies which are consistent across the entire school. These strategies provide teachers with the knowledge of how to foster student wellbeing, willingness and capacity for academic achievement. 

This Friday 1st March, our staff will engage in the Engagement and Stamina workshop. 

Morning Circles

Every classroom from Kindergarten to Year 6 runs a ‘Morning Circle’ as part of their daily routine. This routine aims to support student engagement, wellbeing and develop a positive classroom community through a sense of belonging, a predictable routine and positive experience. 

The Morning Circle Consists of: 

GREETING - Students sit or stand in a circle shape. Once students are in position, the circle routine begins with greeting. For example, students go around the circle and say good morning to each other in turn. 

VALUES- The teacher asks students what the value will be for the day connecting students to the classroom community and working towards a common goal. 

EXPECTATIONS- The teacher explains the events that are happening during the day. For example, what lesson is occurring and when. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS- The teacher asks the students to share any class news and announcements such as birthdays. 

POSITIVE PRIMER- The students engage in a positive, short game which allows students to experience positive emotions and success. 

WHAT WENT WELL- The circle routine finishes with a reflection on ‘what went well’ (www). This further promotes reflection and gratitude towards the positive experiences. 

There are many elements of this circle routine that could be adapted and utilise in your own family context. 

Kind regards, 

Ellen Dorrough & Jim Heelis 

Berry Street Team