Student Wellbeing & Mental Health

Lysterfield Primary Student Wellbeing and Mental Health Team

Learning Respect, Friendships and Resilience

At Lysterfield PS, our wellbeing approach is guided by a “tiered” model of support. Tier 1 wellbeing programs are the universal, whole-school strategies delivered to every student in every classroom. They give teachers a shared framework and language for explicitly teaching social-emotional skills (like recognising emotions, problem-solving, and help-seeking), building predictable routines, and modelling respectful interactions. Tier 1 also helps staff teach proactively (not just respond when issues arise), embed wellbeing in daily instruction, and spot early signs that a child may need extra support - so we can partner with families and provide additional Tier 2 or Tier 3 support when needed.

Respectful Relationships (RRRR)

Respectful Relationships is a Department of Education initiative that builds the skills and knowledge children need to develop positive, respectful, and safe relationships. It helps young people recognise and regulate emotions, build resilience, manage challenges, and respect diversity. At Lysterfield PS, RRRR lessons are taught in every classroom as part of our wellbeing curriculum, supporting our school values and equipping students with lifelong skills.

You can learn more about Respectful Relationships on the Department’s RRRR page.

Friendology / URSTRONG

Friendology (part of the URSTRONG program) provides a common language for talking about friendships. Students learn practical strategies for navigating the ups and downs of relationships - from recognising “friendship fires,” to learning how to “talk it out” in safe and respectful ways. This program empowers children to build positive peer connections and strengthens our whole-school culture of kindness and inclusion. 

You can learn more about Friendology on the URSTRONG website. 

What will students be learning about this term?

Respectful Relationships – We’ll be exploring Topics 7 & 8:

Topic 7: Gender and Identity - This unit invites students to consider how everyone has unique strengths, interests, and qualities. The focus is on celebrating individuality, respecting differences, and recognising that stereotypes can limit opportunities. Students are encouraged to think critically about fairness, inclusion, and the importance of valuing people for who they are.

Topic 8: Positive Gender Relations – This unit helps students build the skills to engage in respectful, safe, and positive interactions with others. Lessons emphasize empathy, fairness, and how to respond when they see or experience behaviour that isn’t respectful. The aim is to give students practical tools for building relationships based on equality and care, both now and in the future.

Together, these units support children in developing empathy, confidence, and respect – qualities that help create strong and inclusive communities. 

Friendology – Students will revisit and deepen their understanding of key friendship qualities, including: Courage, Community, Trust, Fun, Diversity & Belonging.

As part of the Term 4 Friendology lessons, students will review the big ideas explored throughout 2025: kindness, respect, problem-solving, managing emotions, building resilience, and strengthening friendships. This gives students a chance to consolidate their learning and celebrate their growth.

Together, our Tier 1 wellbeing programs help us nurture a school environment where every student feels safe, valued, and connected.

For more on whole-school Wellbeing at Lysterfield P.S., visit our Student Wellbeing page:  lysterps.vic.edu.au

If you have any further questions around our Tier 1 Wellbeing programs, please feel free to reach out - kayla.pepper@education.vic.gov.au

Kayla Pepper | Mental Health & Wellbeing Leader