Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS)
As part of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader role two of the main responsibilities are:
- Embedding evidence-based training and resources across the school to build the capability of staff to better identify and support students
Implementing whole-school approaches to mental health and wellbeing
One of the first tasks we have undertaken in the MHWL team work is to gain an understanding of our school's current approach to supporting student mental health and wellbeing. This includes how our school currently provides support for students and where wellbeing sits in the curriculum.
At Boroondara Park Primary we have solid structures and frameworks to support mental health and wellbeing. This aligns to our Department of Education expectations, requirements of the Child Safety Standards and the Victorian Curriculum. We use a structured and comprehensive wellbeing scope and sequence to align all social and emotional learning programs, ensuring they are delivered in a developmentally appropriate way across each year level. Respectful Relationships is an initiative we have implemented and is part of our whole school approach to wellbeing at Boroondara Park Primary School.
Respectful Relationships education is a core component of the Victorian Curriculum from Foundation to Year 12 in all Government Schools. The Royal Commission into Family Violence identified the critical role that schools and early childhood education have in creating a culture of respect to change the story of family violence for future generations.
Everyone in our community deserves to be respected, valued and treated equally. We know that changes in attitudes and behaviours can be achieved when positive attitudes, behaviours and equality are embedded in our education settings.
In the primary years, Respectful Relationships is taught as part of the Health and Physical Education and Personal and Social Capability areas of the Victorian Curriculum. The curriculum supports schools to promote and model respect, positive attitudes and behaviours. It teaches our students how to build healthy relationships, resilience and confidence.
These age appropriate and evidence based materials are designed to enable teachers to develop student’s social and emotional capabilities to promote positive, healthy and respectful relationships.
For further information on the Respectful Relationships curriculum, use the link below. https://arc.educationapps.vic.gov.au/learning/sites/respectful-relationships/1785/Respectful-Relationships-resources
As the MHWL work continues, we will be further developing the capacity of staff across the whole school to and identifying any gaps or opportunities for improvement.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the wellbeing programs and initiatives that we have at Boroondara Park Primary School.
Kind regards,
Kristen Schultz
Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader and Learning Specialist - Wellbeing