Thornbury Primary School has a strong commitment to the wellbeing of all students and families. We take a whole school approach to wellbeing because we believe that every student benefits from building relationships, a positive sense of self, and problem-solving skills. With a trauma informed approach, school-wide positive behaviours influence, and a strong social and emotional learning program in every class, students are recognised for their positive behaviours and effort, encouraged to be their best, and supported to build the skills that they need to thrive.

If you have concerns regarding your child’s mental health and wellbeing, the first person to speak to is your child’s classroom teacher, who may then refer you to the Wellbeing Team.

Kate - Assistant Principal (Wellbeing & Disability Inclusion)

Anna - Mental Health & Wellbeing Leader (part of the MHiPS initiative)

Owen - Community Support Worker

Social Emotional Learning

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which children and young people build and effectively apply knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, establish and maintain positive relationships, make responsible decisions, develop resilience, create positive gender norms and contribute to social cohesion.

To support the development of these skills, students at TPS participate in weekly SEL lessons, drawing on learning materials from a range of evidence-based programs. This learning is also woven into the rhythm, routine and rituals of each day, and teachers adjust the learning as required to suit our community needs.

Below is a brief list of the SEL programs on offer at TPS.

Berry Street Education Model (BSEM)Trauma-informed classroom strategies to help students regulate their emotions.

Respectful Relationships

A whole-school approach that promotes and models respect and equality, and teaches students how to build healthy relationships, resilience and confidence.

Friendly Schools

A whole-school approach to social and emotional wellbeing and bullying prevention.

Talking the Talk: Healthy Sexuality Education

An age-appropriate sexuality education program that emphasises healthy and respectful relationships, protective behaviours and understanding our bodies.

Allied Health

TPS understands that many students require additional support from allied health professionals and other external agencies. We value the expertise these professionals can offer and encourage open communication and collaboration between all stakeholders.

Naomi and Vas provide their services onsite at TPS. For more information:

Naomi (Art Therapist)

0421 914 220

naomi@brightsparks.id.au

www.brightsparks.id.au

Vas (Music Therapist)

skylarkmusictherapy@gmail.com

Supporting Child Mental Health

The University of Melbourne is currently offering a small group of parents the opportunity to take part in beta testing the Supporting Child Mental Health (SCMH) program materials. SCMH is a comprehensive program for adults to learn how to provide mental health first aid to support children aged 5-12 years. Please see the below for details about the SCMH course.

If you would like more information or are interested in participating in the course, please contact:

Email: mhfasc-research@unimelb.edu.au

Phone: 03 9035 6515

In the community

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