Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS)

Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) Initiative

At Camelot Rise Primary School, student wellbeing is fundamental to learning, growth, and success. We recognise that positive mental health underpins academic achievement, social development, and a child’s ability to engage confidently in school life. In the primary years, children are developing essential skills in emotional regulation, resilience, problem-

solving, and relationship building. Supporting mental health during this formative stage lays the foundation for lifelong wellbeing.

Teachers and staff play a critical role in modelling and explicitly teaching social and emotional skills. Through proactive wellbeing initiatives, early identification of concerns, and strong partnerships with families, we aim to provide timely and appropriate support for all students. By embedding mental health awareness into our daily practice and school culture, we ensure that wellbeing is not separate from learning, but integral to it.

At Camelot Rise Primary School, prioritising mental health enables our students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, preparing them to become confident, capable, and resilient members of the wider community. This initiative was rolled out by launched as a pilot in 10 Victorian schools in 2020. It was subsequently expanded to 26 schools, and then 100 schools – with each expansion subject to an evaluation. In 2022, on the basis of the evaluation findings, the Victorian Government confirmed they would commit $200 million to a statewide expansion of MHiPS.

I am excited about my role this year as the Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader. I am always available for a chat if you have absolutely any concerns or questions to do with your child’s wellbeing. My door is always open, and I work closely with our dedicated team of staff at Camelot Rise to provide strategies, support and develop pathways within and beyond the school where necessary to best support all students and families.

I look forward to getting to know everyone better.

Each fortnight in the newsletter I will provide articles, student voice or relevant information/links/services that you may be interested in. Please enjoy the following snippets from some of our young people’s insights about the start to their 2026 school year.

Tennille Giannopoulos

Email: Tennille.giannopoulos@education.vic.gov.au

Casper – “I love doing puzzles at school”

Flora – “I love the big Lego”