WELLBEING & LEARNING DIVERSITY
At St Joseph’s, social and emotional wellbeing is a critical part of our daily teaching. It is embedded throughout the school day, rather than being confined to a single lesson each week. We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment through Morning Circles, the Zones of Regulation, and the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships (RRRR) program. These initiatives help students develop emotional awareness, strengthen relationships, and build resilience, equipping them with the skills they need to thrive.
Morning Circles
Our Morning Circle routine provides a structured and predictable start to each school day. While it shares elements with traditional ‘Circle Time,’ it enhances these benefits by fostering a strong sense of community and emotional connection. Each session includes a greeting, sharing opportunities, a group activity, and school announcements.
Engaging in Morning Circles has been shown to:
- Support a smooth transition into the school day
- Build a positive classroom culture
- Strengthen relationships between students and teachers
- Assist with emotional regulation through co-regulation
- Identify students who may need additional support early in the day
By implementing this routine, we create a safe and supportive space where students feel heard, valued, and ready to learn.
Zones of Regulation
The Zones of Regulation program helps students develop self-awareness and emotional regulation by categorising feelings into four colour-coded zones:
- Blue Zone – sad, tired, sick, bored
- Green Zone – calm, happy, focused, ready to learn
- Yellow Zone – frustrated, excited, anxious, wiggly
- Red Zone – angry, overwhelmed, out of control
Through this program, students learn to recognise their emotions, understand what triggers them, and develop strategies to regulate their responses. By building these skills, they become more equipped to manage challenges, interact positively with peers, and stay engaged in learning.
Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships (RRRR)
The Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships (RRRR) program is an evidence-based initiative designed to equip students with the skills to build healthy relationships, resilience, and confidence. Developed by leading education experts, it provides structured learning materials that foster social and emotional wellbeing.
This program:
- Enables schools, teachers, and communities to model and promote respect and equality
- Was developed in response to the Royal Commission into Family Violence
- Helps children learn strategies to manage emotions, resolve conflicts, and respond to challenges
- Is backed by reputable research bodies and internationally recognised experts from the University of Melbourne’s Graduate School of Education
Key Focus Areas of the RRRR Program:
The program targets six core areas to develop students’ emotional intelligence and resilience:
- Emotional Literacy: Encourages students to recognise and understand emotions in themselves and others, using appropriate vocabulary to express feelings.
- Personal Strengths: Helps students identify their strengths and those of their peers, building confidence and fostering positive self-awareness.
- Positive Coping: Develops students’ ability to use healthy coping strategies, encouraging reflection on emotional responses and ways to manage stress.
- Problem Solving: Equips students with a range of problem-solving techniques to navigate personal, social, and ethical challenges.
- Stress Management: Provides students with strategies to manage stress effectively and build resilience in the face of difficulties.
- Help-Seeking: Teaches students the importance of reaching out for support when needed, whether for emotional, social, or academic concerns.
By integrating the RRRR program alongside Zones of Regulation and Morning Circles, St Joseph’s is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and respectful learning environment for all students.