Wellbeing

Learning & Wellbeing ('at the centre') 

The guiding model for the Department of Education is the Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO) 2.0 (see the image below), which is the continuous improvement framework adopted by the Victorian Government’s schools. It is designed to support all government schools in improving student outcomes across learning and wellbeing. 

The Department defines these as: 

• Learning is the ongoing acquisition by students of knowledge, skills and capabilities, including those defined by the Victorian Curriculum and senior secondary pathways. 
• Wellbeing is the development of the capabilities necessary to thrive, contribute and respond positively to the challenges and opportunities of life.

Why It Matters

• By embedding wellbeing alongside learning, FISO 2.0 acknowledges that students’ capacity to learn is deeply connected to their social, emotional and physical health. 
• The framework is evidence-informed, drawing on research and data to identify practices with the greatest impact.
• It supports schools in strategic planning (e.g., School Strategic Plans, Annual Implementation Plans) by giving structure to what “improvement” means. 

Wellbeing is a state of overall happiness, health, and prosperity encompassing emotional, social, and physical dimensions. To improve wellbeing, you can connect with others, stay physically active, learn new skills, and practice mindfulness. A holistic approach considers physical, intellectual, social, emotional, and environmental factors to support a balanced, fulfilling life. 

Key dimensions of wellbeing:

• Emotional wellbeing: Experiencing positive emotions like happiness and contentment, and effectively managing negative ones. 
• Social wellbeing: Having a sense of belonging, positive relationships with others, and community connectedness. 
• Physical wellbeing: Maintaining bodily health, which is strongly linked to mental health. 
• Intellectual/Psychological Wellbeing: Feeling a sense of purpose, growth, and having control over your life. 
• Environmental wellbeing: Having a healthy, supportive environment. 
• Financial wellbeing: Having financial security, which is correlated with income up to a certain point. 

Strategies to improve wellbeing:

• Connect with people: Foster good relationships and a sense of community. 

• Be physically active: Regular exercise supports both physical and mental fitness. 

• Learn new things: Learning new skills contributes to a sense of purpose and accomplishment. 

• Give to others: Acts of giving can boost your own sense of purpose and connection. 

• Practice mindfulness: Pay attention to the present moment to manage thoughts and emotions. 

• Prioritise basic needs: Ensure you get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and stay hydrated. 

Daniel Morcombe Foundation

This year, Whittlesea Primary School will be participating in the 'Day for Daniel' lesson, which supports the Daniel Morcombe Foundation. The Daniel Morcombe Foundation would like to see a future where all children and young people are provided with education, protection, and support to be safe from abuse and risk of harm.

The Daniel Morcombe Foundation provides personal child safety education to children and young people at no cost, to prevent abuse and promote lifelong health and wellbeing. We support educators, parents, and carers through the provision of resources and education, and directly support young victims of crime.

'Day for Daniel' lesson is next Friday, the 31st of October.