From the Head of the Junior School

This week Junior School staff have had some really productive discussions about wellbeing. We know that this is a vital part of our lives – as staff, as parents and definitely for children too. We talk about wellbeing often, reflecting on the explicit teaching that happens in classrooms as well as ensuring that we know the individual challenges our students have.

Wellbeing is multi-faceted. It involves the physical, social, emotional, psychological and spiritual health of students. As Junior School staff, we understand that these areas don’t stand alone – siloed – but these things are connected. A person struggling with physical health is very often affected socially and emotionally. If a student struggles socially, she may not join play and sport, which will affect her physically.

To meet the needs of this complex area, we respond in a multi-faceted way. Wellbeing in the Junior School is:

• A shared responsibility - all teaching and support staff are aware and caring of the needs of our students.
• Taught explicitly - in class children learn language, knowledge, skills and values that help support their well-being, especially in the social and emotional realm.
• Woven into all we do - apart from the timetabled lessons, we know that wellbeing is taught across the whole day in all subjects, especially as we play outside.
• Valued as a whole community - this is why we talk about wellbeing in our assemblies, celebrating and learning together as students, staff and parents.
• Supported by professionals - we are thankful for the support of our School Counsellors, and for local Psychologists and Allied Health Professionals who support our students.

We know that our students build wellbeing through their community involvement too. I am enjoying hearing about the amazing things that our students are involved in. Please let us know if we can put the spotlight on your child’s out of school activities. This week I’m excited to tell you about Ellie Roots:

Ellie from Stage 3 Burrawang recently competed at The Victorian Show Horse Council ‘Battle of the Borders’ where she was runner up rider 9 and under 12yrs. She also won the Small hunter pony class with her pony Bond. This qualifies her for the 2026 Show Horse of Australasia Grand Nationals. She then travelled to Canberra Royal and was awarded Champion ridden Shetland. The Junior School are very proud of you Ellie!

Rachael J Newton

Assistant Principal – Head of Junior School