Wellbeing Team

Epsom Primary School has two full time staff members dedicated to wellbeing: 

Kellie Macrae: Leading Teacher of Wellbeing and Engagement 

Tania Peirce-Whyte: Leading Teacher of Inclusive Education 

Kellie and Tania are part of the whole-school leadership team to provide a clear connection between wellbeing, engagement and leadership. 

The wellbeing team includes three part time staff members: 

Kaiden Antonowicz (Mon-Wed), Mental Health and Wellbeing leader (MHWL)  

Clarissa Power (Mon & Thursday) Student Counsellor 

Jessica Colliver (Tues - Wed) Student Counsellor 

Lunch time Clubs Included:

Epsom Primary School Community Kitchen:

This term, we were proud to launch our Community Kitchen, providing a welcoming space where families can access essential food items in a respectful and supportive way.

Throughout the term, families have been able to access a variety of items including fresh bread, fruit, eggs, soup, cereal, long-life milk, spaghetti, baked beans and other pantry staples as well as sanitary and toiletries items.

The success of this initiative has been made possible through the generosity and support of our school community and Foodbank. We would like to extend a sincere thank you to our staff and families who have contributed donations and helped ensure the pantry remains stocked and available for those who may need it.

The Community Kitchen is located to the left of the library, near the wellbeing and canteen area, and is available for all members of our school community.

As we finish another successful term, we are grateful for the kindness, compassion and community spirit that this initiative has fostered. Together, we continue to support one another and strengthen the sense of belonging within our school community. Please remember that by accessing this, you are setting an example for others that may be in need. It is here for all, please make use of it.

Modelling Respect and Equality (MoRE)

This term, our staff have continued their professional learning through the Modelling Respect and Equality (MoRE) program. This training has focused on building our staff understanding and, throughout this year, will gradually shift towards developing students’ understandings.

The purpose of this work is to help create a school environment where every student feels safe, respected, valued and included. As educators, we know that schools play an important role in helping young people develop the skills, attitudes and behaviours that support positive relationships throughout their lives.

Throughout the training, staff explored how social expectations and gender stereotypes can influence the way people think, behave and interact with others. We examined the pressures that can sometimes be placed on boys and young men to fit narrow ideas of what it means to be "strong", "tough" or "manly" and how these expectations can impact wellbeing, help-seeking, relationships and behaviour.

Importantly, this work is not about criticising boys or masculinity. Rather, it is about promoting healthy, respectful and positive expressions of masculinity, while helping all students understand the importance of empathy, inclusion, equality and respectful relationships.

Staff also engaged in learning around active bystander behaviours, respectful communication, inclusion and how to respond when language or behaviours may negatively impact others. By building a shared understanding across the school, we can ensure a consistent approach that supports student wellbeing and creates positive learning environments for all.

This work aligns closely with our commitment to student wellbeing, social and emotional learning and the development of respectful relationships across our school community. By helping students challenge harmful stereotypes, celebrate diversity and build healthy relationships, we are supporting them to become confident, respectful and caring members of their communities both now and into the future.

Student Wellbeing Team 2026

Our Student Wellbeing Team continues to do a fantastic job making a positive difference around our school.

Whether they are supporting students in the yard, helping with Breakfast Club or simply offering a friendly smile and conversation, these students consistently demonstrate kindness, responsibility and leadership.

A special mention must go to the care and dedication they have shown towards our guinea pigs. The team has embraced this responsibility with enthusiasm, ensuring our furry friends are well looked after each day. From feeding and cleaning to providing gentle handling and attention, the students have shown great compassion and commitment.

Not only has this helped create a nurturing environment for the guinea pigs, but it has also provided valuable opportunities for students to develop responsibility, teamwork, empathy and care for others.

We are incredibly proud of the way our Student Wellbeing Team members have stepped into their roles and the positive impact they continue to have on our school community.

Well done, team!

Josh King - Melbourne Storm player 

During Week 8, staff and students had the pleasure of hosting Josh King, a current Melbourne Storm NRL player who has played and had successful careers with both the Newcastle Knights and Melbourne Storm. Josh has become a respected leader within the game and is a passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing.

Josh spoke openly about his own challenges with mental health and the importance of maintaining healthy habits both in his personal life and as a professional athlete. He discussed the negative impacts that social media can have and shared strategies he has used to manage criticism, highlighting how destructive comments can affect others. Josh also spoke about the importance of resilience, perseverance and seeking support when needed.

Students were given the opportunity to ask a range of thoughtful questions, helping them to reflect on and navigate challenges they may face in their own lives. His honesty, authenticity and practical advice were greatly appreciated by both students and staff.

To finish the session, Josh led students through a rugby league skills clinic, providing a highly engaging and enjoyable experience for all involved. We thank Josh for sharing his time, experiences and valuable messages with our school community.

Holiday Programs - Children's Health and Wellbeing Local

Families may be interested in a range of free school holiday wellbeing programs being offered by the Loddon Children’s Health and Wellbeing Local during the Term 2 holidays. These small-group sessions are designed for children and their parents to attend together and focus on building emotional wellbeing, social skills and confidence.

Sessions available include:

• Worry in Children (4–6 years)
• Managing Feelings (4–6 years)
• Social Skills for Kids (7–11 years)
• Managing Big Feelings (7–11 years)

There will also be a parent drop-in session where families can ask questions and seek advice from mental health professionals in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Programs will be held in Bendigo on the 30th of June and 9th of July. Bookings are essential due to limited numbers. Families interested in attending can contact the Children's Health and Wellbeing Local on 1800 433 977 or email icfhwlocals@bchs.com.au for further information and bookings.

Equine Assisted Learning Program 

At Epsom Primary School, our Equine Assisted Learning Program provides students with a

 unique opportunity to support their social and emotional wellbeing through meaningful interactions with horses.

Horses are highly sensitive animals that naturally respond to our emotions and body language. This allows students to develop greater self-awareness as they learn how their feelings can influence the horses' responses. By recognising these connections, students are encouraged to identify emotions, practice self-regulation strategies, and build confidence in a safe and supportive environment.

Through activities such as grooming, leading, observing and caring for the horses, students strengthen skills in communication, resilience, empathy and emotional regulation. The horses also provide a calm, non-judgemental presence, creating opportunities for students to engage in conversations about their feelings and develop positive coping strategies.

Equine Assisted Learning Program is a valued part of our wellbeing supports at Epsom Primary School, helping students build confidence, emotional awareness and positive relationships in a unique and engaging way.