Berry Street - 

Wellbeing News

Dear families,

On Monday the 15th of July (the first day of Term 3), all staff members at Our Lady Help of Christians (OLHC) will be participating in professional learning in the Berry Street Education Model (BSEM), a groundbreaking framework designed to support student wellbeing, engagement in learning and safety at school. 

BSEM is a comprehensive approach that integrates trauma-informed practices, positive education principles, and relational pedagogy to create an environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

One of the key pillars of BSEM is its emphasis on understanding and addressing the impact of trauma on learning. Through BSEM training, our staff will gain insights into the neurobiological effects of trauma and learn strategies to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. BSEM also recognises the importance of positive relationships in the educational setting. Research has shown that strong teacher-student relationships are linked to improved academic outcomes and socio-emotional well-being. Through BSEM training, our staff will develop skills to build meaningful connections with students, fostering trust, respect, and collaboration.

BSEM integrates positive education principles, which focus on cultivating strengths, promoting resilience, and fostering a sense of well-being among students. By incorporating practices such as mindfulness, character strengths development, and gratitude exercises into our curriculum, we aim to empower students to thrive not only academically but also personally.

As we embark on this journey to implement the BSEMl over the next year, our staff will undergo extensive training to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively implement this transformative approach. From trauma-informed practices to relational strategies, our educators will receive comprehensive support to create an inclusive and empowering learning environment for all students.

We are very excited about introducing the Berry Street Education Model at OLHC.

Warm regards,

Norah Jacombs