Wellbeing

Learning and Teaching at Essendon North Primary School

At Essendon North Primary School, we prioritise the social, emotional, and academic wellbeing of our students. We recognise the vital role schools play in providing a supportive environment where students can grow socially and emotionally while developing the skills needed to maintain their overall wellbeing. We would like to share with you the core wellbeing programs that your child will be involved in at school.

Respectful Relationships

The Respectful Relationships program focuses on teaching students respect, resilience, and confidence by promoting positive attitudes and behaviours. It is primarily taught in Foundation, Year One, Year Three, and Year Five, with follow-up lessons in Years Two, Four, and Six. The program covers eight areas of Social and Emotional Learning, including:

• Emotional Literacy
• Personal and Cultural Strengths
• Positive Coping
• Problem-Solving
• Stress Management
• Help-Seeking
• Gender Norms and Stereotypes
• Positive Gender Relationships

The Resilience Project

The Resilience Project aims to promote positive mental health and wellbeing by teaching the principles of Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness (GEM), and Emotional Literacy. Integrated into our curriculum, this program is taught in Years Two and Four, helping students develop key emotional skills throughout their education.

School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS)

SWPBS is designed to create a positive school environment by reinforcing positive social behaviours. Our school community has developed a behaviour matrix based on three core values: Safe, Respectful, and Kind. These values are explicitly taught and consistently reinforced across all areas of the school. When students demonstrate safe, kind, and respectful behaviours, they are acknowledged and recognised for their positive actions.

Health and Wellbeing Specialist Classes

Each week, students participate in Health and Wellbeing classes where they learn about healthy eating, active living, and mental wellbeing. Led by Craig Mather and Rhys McIntosh, these classes also include engaging games and activities to strengthen social and emotional skills and build confidence. A key component of these classes is BluEarth, which teaches the skills necessary to maintain active living habits.

Through these programs - Respectful Relationships, The Resilience Project, SWPBS, and Health and Wellbeing classes - we are committed to supporting our students in developing the tools and knowledge for positive mental health. Please refer to your child’s Unit of Inquiry Flyer for additional details about their learning. We look forward to sharing more updates in future newsletters!

Serena Walker

Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader