Wellbeing
LifeSAFE Education & Building a Culture of Safety at SJW
At St Joseph the Worker Primary School, safety is a core value that guides everything we do. This term, we’ve continued to focus on the important Behaviour Disposition: Safe, helping students understand what it means to keep their body, feelings, and surroundings safe from harm or danger.
On Monday, 21st July, students participated in LifeSAFE Education workshops, facilitated in partnership with Proactivity. These engaging sessions were tailored to each year level and focused on practical strategies for staying safe. Through games, roleplay, and movement-based activities, students explored:
- Recognising safe vs unsafe feelings
- Understanding personal space and boundaries
- Using their voice to say “No” and express discomfort
- Moving away from unsafe situations
- Identifying trusted adults
- Practising calm decision-making and resilience
- Discussing the impact of harmful actions when emotionally dysregulated
Each student received a take-home handout to continue these important conversations with their families.
A standout feature of the day was the leadership shown by our Positive Behaviour Leaders (PB Leaders). These students played an active role in guiding their peers through activities and discussions, modelling respectful behaviour and reinforcing key safety messages. It was wonderful to see them confidently supporting others and helping to create a safe and inclusive environment.
Here is some feedback from our PB Leaders about their experience as leaders at our Safe Incursion:
Oliver: “The Preps did a great job of being safe during the incursion and learning how to say stop when they felt unsafe. I really enjoyed working with the group”
Mia: “Being a PB Leader during the Safe Incursion gave me a chance to engage with the Preps and JLAS and help them understand how we can all be safe.
Isabella: “I really enjoyed working with the JLAS and helping them understand how we can all be safe. I enjoyed the responsibility of helping them learn and leading them.
Nathaniel: “I really enjoyed teaching the Preps, as they were respectful during the incursion and I felt they learn a lot about how to be safe. It was also good to get to know each other better”
Sofia: “I liked leading the JLAs in the incursion, and I liked how they all asked me what my name was and that they thanked me for helping them learning about how to be safe.”
Imogen: “I enjoyed that they looked up to me, and I liked teaching them in a group as it meant I could get to know them a bit more. They listened to me and showed respect”
Leila: “I enjoyed teaching the Preps how to be safe, I loved that they were respectful and listened to me, so they could learn how to be safe. “
Beyond the workshops, our PB Leaders have been exploring what safety looks like, feels like, and sounds like in different areas of the school. Their work includes:
In the Classroom: Promoting calm voices, respectful language, and personal space
In the Playground: Encouraging inclusive play, kind words, and safe choices
When Lining Up: Modelling calm transitions, respectful spacing, and patience
These ideas will continue to be shared with the wider student community through classroom visits, slideshows, Kahoot’s and presentations at assemblies. By giving our PB leaders a voice in shaping the culture of safety at SJW, we’re empowering them to lead by example and ensure that every student understands how to keep themselves and others safe.
Together as a school community, students, staff, and families, we can continue to work together to build a school where every child feels safe, respected, and able to flourish.
Jane Manton
Engagement Leader Wellbeing & Diversity