Wellbeing Corner

Morning Routines at Glen Waverley Primary School

A Calm and Predictable Start to Every Day

The first ten minutes of the school day, from 8:50 to 9:00am, are some of the most important. At Glen Waverley Primary School, every class from Prep to Year 6 has an agreed morning routine that helps students settle in, connect with others and get ready to learn.

Research from the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) shows that routines give students certainty about what is expected of them. When students practise a routine often enough that it becomes automatic, they don’t have to think about it. This frees up their mental energy for learning, means fewer interruptions, and leaves more time for teaching. Routines are taught explicitly, much like any other skill: the teacher explains why, models it, practises it with the class, and then gradually hands it over to the students.

Our routines build step by step, guided by the Personal and Social Capabilities in the Victorian Curriculum 2.0.

• Prep to Year 2: Students build independence, such as unpacking their bags and putting away their water bottles. They begin recognising their emotions and choosing calming activities like drawing, reading or playdough. In Year 2, they also start the day with GEM Chats, which are short conversation prompts that help students connect with their peers.
• Years 3 and 4: Students use wellbeing journals and Zones of Regulation check-ins to explore how they feel. They choose mindfulness activities and keep chatting with classmates through GEM Chats. In Year 4, they also start to notice how their emotions change over time.
• Years 5 and 6: Students share their feelings with a peer, reflect on what influences their emotions, and consider how their choices affect others. Year 6 students set a simple goal for the day related to their mental health and wellbeing.

By Year 6, our aim is for students to set themselves up for success independently.

How you can help

• Arrive by 8:50am so your child can take part in the whole routine. If you do arrive late, don’t worry. Your child can join in as soon as they walk in.
• Ask about it at home. Try questions like “Which zone were you in this morning?” or “What was your GEM Chat about?”
• Practise routines at home, such as packing a bag or putting a water bottle away.

Thank you for helping us give every child a calm and confident start to their day. If you would like to learn more about our morning routines or any of the wellbeing support offered within our school, please feel free to reach out to me on ryo.sugihara@education.vic.gov.au or chat to me in person at school!

Ryo Sugihara

Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader