Student Wellbeing & Mental Health
Wellbeing at Lysterfield Primary School
At Lysterfield Primary School, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where every student can thrive. We know that wellbeing plays a vital role in learning, engagement and success, and embed social and emotional learning into everyday school life.
Through whole-school programs, proactive classroom practices and strong relationships, we support students to:
- understand and manage their emotions
- build resilience and coping skills
- develop positive friendships
feel a strong sense of belonging within our school community.
Wellbeing is a shared responsibility, and we value strong partnerships with families. By working together, we aim to strengthen the support around each child and promote a culture where wellbeing and mental health is understood, valued and nurtured.
Term 1 Focus: Friendology
This term all classes will participate in lessons from the Friendology program. Friendology gives students practical tools to build healthy friendships and to navigate social challenges with confidence.
Students will explore:
- what makes a good friend
- including others and expanding friendship circles
- managing friendship ups and downs
- kind communication and problem solving
- being an “UPstander” rather than a bystander.
Using a shared language from Prep-Grade 6 helps students practise these skills consistently in the classroom, in the yard and at home.
Whole-School Wellbeing Sessions - Fridays
Each Friday, classes take part in dedicated whole-school wellbeing sessions. These lessons bring together our school values, social skills and emotional learning in engaging and practical ways.
Sessions may include:
- Friendology and RRRR lessons
- School values
- Multi-aged Circles sessions and cooperative activities
- Regulation strategies
These sessions help strengthen our positive school culture and ensure every child feels known, valued and supported. We look forward to sharing updates and highlights from our Friday Wellbeing sessions.
Our Term 1 Value: COMMUNITY - “We create a space where we all belong.”
This term we are focusing on what it means to be part of a caring community. Students will be encouraged to:
- welcome others and show kindness
- respect differences
- look out for classmates
- take pride in our school environment.
We look forward to seeing students bring this value to life through their words, actions and friendships.
Student values awards will be awarded at assemblies in Weeks 4 and 8.
Referrals for Student Support
If you have concerns about your child’s mental health or wellbeing, the first step is to speak with their classroom teacher. Teachers also monitor student wellbeing and will contact families if they notice concerns.
Together, families and teachers may put in place initial supports, such as whole-school wellbeing programs or classroom adjustments. If further assistance is needed, a referral can be made to the Mental Health and Wellbeing team. Appropriate next steps will then be considered, which may include:
- targeted classroom strategies
- small group programs
- school-based counselling
- support to connect with external services.
Parents are always informed and involved before any additional support begins, and student progress is monitored so that supports can be adjusted as needed.
A copy of the Lysterfield Primary School Parent Referral Process is included below for your reference.
Kayla Pepper | Wellbeing Learning Specialist
Upcoming Workshops / Other Information
Pop Culture Parenting Live Show
After a sold-out Melbourne show last year, Billy and Nick are returning to the stage with a brand-new live experience celebrating the beautiful chaos of raising kids.
When - Friday March 27th @ 7pm
Where - National Theatre, St Kilda
Podcasts of Interest
Pop Culture Parenting - Pop Culture Parenting — Guiding Growing Minds
Well, hello Anxiety - Podcast - Dr. Jodi Richardson
Parental as Anything - Parental As Anything with Maggie Dent and Bec Sparrow - ABC listen
The Imperfects - The Imperfects Podcast
Anglicare Parentzone Newsletter - Parenting in the East What's On Term 1 2026
News and information on programs, services, groups and events to support parents across the Eastern Region of Melbourne. Some of the upcoming (and free!) programs for Term 1 include Circle of Security Parenting, Tuning in to Kids, Tuning in to Teens, Surviving Separation, & the Strengthening Parents Support Program (for parents & carers of children with a disability, developmental delay or neurodivergence - including ASD, ADHD & AuDHD) -
ParentZone Pods
Podcasts for parents, carers and those who support others with their parenting. The ParentZone Teams are delighted to bring you TWELVE ParentZone Pods. Each Pod identifies and explores common issues parents bring to our parenting groups and offers strategies to try in these situations.
Podcast Series 1
Episode 1: Family Meetings
Episode 2: Dealing with Anxiety
Episode 3: Sibling Rivalry
Episode 4: Getting Children to Listen
Episode 5: How to Respond to Kids' Behaviour
Episode 6: How to Stop Yelling at your Kids
Podcast Series 2
Episode 1: Positive Discipline
Episode 2: School Refusal
Episode 3: Parenting our Teenagers
Episode 4: Meltdowns vs Tantrums
Episode 5: Couples Parenting Together
Episode 6: Dads Parenting Today
ParentZone Pods can be found on our website, Apple and via Spotify