Wellbeing

Fiona Dandie & Robert Pain

SWPBS

2025 SWPBS Assessment Survey 

This week, all staff are participating in completing the 2025 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 Systems, Classroom Systems, 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 the SAS provides an opportunity for our school leaders to review the implementation of SWPBS in our school and improve our practices.

 

Whittlesea World

As we are now over the halfway point of Term 2, we encourage all students to continue earning their Golden Tickets over the next few weeks. Week 11 will see our final Whittlesea World for the term take place. A massive order of prizes for Whittlesea World has been completed, with feedback received as to what else could be included, such as footy cards. 

 

'Work it Out' at Whittlesea Primary School.

When students encounter a problem in the yard during break times, they are encouraged to stay calm and try at least two strategies from the ‘Work It Out’ menu before seeking support from a teacher. This allows students to develop the skills to work through conflict/ resolution with their peers safely and productively.

Disability Inclusion

Term 2 SSG Meetings NOW OPEN

Student Support Group meeting cycles (SSG) have now been published. If your child requires an SSG, you will have received an email generated by Compass explaining the booking process. These meetings provide parents/carers with an opportunity to discuss personalised Individual Education Plan goals as well as share any allied health updates, reports and other specialist involvement if applicable.

 

We use Compass for parents/ carers to book the SSG meeting. The meeting times will be booked with Fiona Dandie or Rob Pain. We will organise for the appropriate teachers to attend your meeting.  This term, meetings will be face-to-face; however, you can opt for a meeting via WebEx. If you need to make multiple appointments, please contact the office to schedule them as close as possible.

 

If you have any questions or would like to discuss these meetings beforehand, please feel free to call the school on 97162140.


🌅 Supporting Morning Separation Anxiety

Tips for a Calm and Confident Start to the School Day

It’s very common—especially in Foundation and early years—for children to feel anxious during morning drop-offs. Goodbyes can be hard! The great news is that with a few simple tools and a little support, children can develop the confidence to start the day with a smile.

Here are some helpful tips you can try at home:

🕗 1. Create a Calm Morning Routine

  • Wake up with enough time to avoid rushing.
  • Keep mornings gentle and predictable.
  • Pack your bags and lunchboxes the night before if possible.

👋 2. Keep Goodbyes Short and Cheerful

  • A confident “Have a great day!” reassures your child that you trust they’ll be okay.
  • Avoid sneaking away—this can increase anxiety.
  • Stay calm and consistent, even if your child is upset.

🖐️ 3. Use a Special Goodbye Ritual

  • A secret handshake, a goodbye rhyme, or a special hug can provide comfort.
  • Use the same routine each day to help your child feel secure.

🔁 4. Stick to the Routine

  • Children thrive on consistency.
  • Drop off at the same spot and time each day, where possible.
  • Avoid prolonged goodbyes—confidence is contagious!

💬 5. Acknowledge Their Feelings

  • Say things like, “It’s okay to feel a bit wobbly. You’ll feel better soon.”
  • Remind them of something to look forward to at school—friends, story time, or a fun activity.

🤝 We’re Here to Help

If your child continues to find mornings difficult, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

✔️ Speak with your child’s classroom teacher – they’re your first point of contact and can provide helpful insight and ideas.✔️ Reach out to the Wellbeing Team – we’re here to support families and students with extra strategies and care.

 

Together, we can help every child feel safe, supported and ready to learn each morning.