Assistant Principal

I recently had the privilege of attending two professional learning days as part of the Mental Health in Primary Schools initiative. This important work, funded by the Victorian Government, is ensuring that every primary school is equipped to provide high-quality wellbeing literacy for students and clear care pathways for children experiencing mental health concerns.

The initiative focuses on building staff capability to explicitly teach mental health and wellbeing knowledge, reduce stigma, and ensure early identification and support for students who may need additional assistance. Across the two days, I deepened my understanding of evidence-based approaches to mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention. Most importantly, the learning reinforced the importance of a whole-school approach—something we are proud to already embed at Mitcham Primary School.

At Mitcham, we are experts in wellbeing literacy. Our classrooms explicitly teach emotional regulation, positive relationships, resilience and help-seeking behaviours. Students are given the language and strategies they need to understand their feelings and navigate challenges with confidence.

We are also fortunate to have extensive supports in place. Yin, our dedicated Student Counsellor, provides targeted wellbeing support; Alexa, our Occupational Therapist, works alongside students to strengthen regulation and engagement; and Nat, our Behaviour Education Coach, partners with staff and families to ensure positive and consistent approaches to behaviour support.

Together, this professional learning and our strong internal supports ensure that every child at Mitcham Primary School is known, supported and well cared for—academically, socially and emotionally.

Bron Steele

Assistant Principal