NMPS News

Wellbeing at NMPS

From Shaun Andrews , Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader

The Victorian Curriculum and the Berry Street Education Model (BSEM) 

Over the past four weeks, students at North Melbourne Primary School have been engaging in a variety of activities designed to enhance their wellbeing, in alignment with the Victorian Curriculum and the Berry Street Education Model. BSEM serves as the foundation for our school's approach to supporting and nurturing student wellbeing. Below is a summary of the key areas that students from Prep to Year 6 have been exploring during their wellbeing sessions:

  • Morning Circle: Students begin their day by participating in a five-minute Morning Circle, a practice aimed at fostering connection and building a sense of community within the classroom. This time is used for students to share thoughts and feeling and participate in fun and fast paced ‘positive primer’ activities; helping to create a positive and supportive learning environment.

     

  • Brain Breaks: To maintain focus and engagement, students are encouraged to take short, structured breaks throughout the day. These "Brain Breaks" help students re-energise and improve concentration, ensuring students are always ready to learn.

     

  • SWPBS Matrix and School Values: Students were reintroduced to our School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) Matrix, which outlines expectations for positive behaviour and aligns with our school values. This framework helps reinforce the importance of respectful, responsible, and safe behaviours in all aspects of school life.

     

  • Zones of Regulation: The Zones of Regulation helps students develop emotional awareness and self-regulation skills. Students learn to identify and manage their emotions, recognising which "zone" they are in (such as red, yellow, green, or blue) and how to use strategies to return to a calm and focused state.

     

  • Ready to Learn Scales: Students use Ready to Learn Scales to assess and reflect on their own readiness for learning. This tool helps students recognise when they are in the right mindset to focus on their work and what they can do to improve their readiness for learning.

     

  • Emotional Regulation Strategies: Students identify a range of emotional regulation strategies. These techniques are designed to help students manage their emotions, especially in challenging situations, promoting resilience and positive mental health.