SWPBS

2026 SWPBS Assessment Survey

This term, all staff are participating in completing the 2026 DET SWPBS School Assessment Survey. The School Assessment Survey (SAS) is an assessment tool used by schools implementing SWPBS, such as Whittlesea Primary School, to identify staff perceptions of the implementation status and improvement priorities for School-wide, Classroom, Tier 2, and Tier 3 systems. The survey is conducted annually and is a core element of School-wide Positive Behaviour Support in Victoria.

The data collected from SAS provides our school leaders with an opportunity to review SWPBS implementation in our school and improve our practices. As a school, we have invested significant time in ensuring consistent SWPBS practices and routines.

When you enter your child's classroom, this is evident in the SWPBS displays you see and in the consistent language staff and students use, such as referring to the "school expectations", "Golden Tickets", and "Catastrophe Scale". Consistently referring to SWPBS language and artefacts, such as those, ensures all students share the same understanding of SWPBS at WPS.

Disability Inclusion - Understanding Anxiety in Primary School Children

What Is Anxiety? Anxiety is a normal emotion that everyone experiences. It can help us stay alert and prepared. But when anxiety becomes too strong or too frequent, it can interfere with a child’s learning, friendships and happiness.

Signs of Anxiety in Children

Some children may not have the words to describe how they feel. You might notice:

😟 Avoiding school, social events or activities

🤒 Tummy aches, headaches or feeling unwell often

🌙 Trouble sleeping or having frequent nightmares

😠 Irritability or sudden emotional outbursts

❓Asking for constant reassurance (“Will I be okay?”)

🌀Difficulty concentrating, appearing restless

How You Can Help

Teach calming strategies: Try deep breathing, gentle stretching, drawing or listening to music.
Stick to routines: Predictability helps children feel safe and secure.
Listen and validate: Say things like “I can see this is really worrying for you.” Talk with your child about their feelings and encourage them to let you know when they feel overwhelmed. Explaining that everyone feels worried or scared can help.
Take small steps: Encourage brave behaviour gradually (e.g., starting with half a day at school, then a full day).
Model calm responses: Children learn how to manage emotions by watching us.
Talk with your child about their feelings and encourage them to let you know when they feel overwhelmed. Explaining that everyone feels worried or scared sometimes may help.
Praise: your child when they do things they prefer to avoid.
Have Fun: Set aside time for fun activities to shift the focus from negative feelings.
Healthy Routines: Encourage healthy routines with plenty of sleep, regular outdoor exercise, nutritious meals, and minimal screen time.
Challenge Avoidance: Try not to allow your child to avoid things that make them anxious. Avoidance can quickly become a hard-to-break pattern.

🚩 When to Seek Support

If anxiety is stopping your child from enjoying school, making friends, or trying new things, it might be time to get help.

Start by chatting with your child’s classroom teacher or contacting the Wellbeing Team. We're here to support you and your child.

🧰 Helpful Resources

🌐 Beyond Blue: beyondblue.org.au

🌐 Raising Children Network: raisingchildren.net.au

📞 Kids Helpline (ages 5–12): 1800 55 1800

🌐 Be You (Mental Health in Schools): beyou.edu.au

🌐 The Royal Children's Hospital: Anxiety in children

🌐Child and adolescent mental health services: CAMHS

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