Student Wellbeing

Get Set and Connect at Greenhills

This year, our staff have created a comprehensive start-up program, "Get Set and Connect," designed to ensure a positive and inclusive experience for every student at Greenhills. We have incorporated researched and proven strategies to ensure that all students make a successful start to the 2024 school year. Whilst Get Set and Connect looks different across the year levels, they are all focused on building a learning environment that is safe, happy and therefore allowing students to be ready to learn. We encourage you to discuss Get Set and Connect with your child at home. Here's a glimpse into the key themes that were focused on inside our classrooms:

Building Relationships with Students: Our teachers are committed to building strong connections with each student. Through open communication, active listening, and a genuine interest in their lives, we aim to create a nurturing environment where every child feels seen, heard, and valued. This will be seen in the way that we greet our students and the 1:1 check ins, which are a feature in all classrooms.

Facilitating Peer Relationships: A new year and a new classroom can be intimidating for our students. Get Set and Connect focuses on the importance of fostering friendships and collaboration. Through the Get Set and Connect program, students will develop social skills and create lasting bonds with their peers, making the school experience more enjoyable and enriching.

Establishing and Maintaining Clear Classroom Expectations: Clear expectations are crucial for a positive learning environment. Each teacher has worked with their grade to create classroom rules and expectations. These promote a safe and respectful atmosphere in every classroom, which promotes a GREAT classroom community.

Supporting Inclusion and Belonging: Diversity is celebrated at Greenhills, and "Get Set and Connect" actively promotes inclusion. Our school is a place where every student feels a sense of belonging, regardless of background or differences. We encourage kindness, empathy, and understanding in all interactions.

Fostering Student Self-Efficacy: Empowering students to believe in their abilities is a key focus of our program. Through engaging activities and challenging tasks, we aim to build confidence and a strong sense of self-efficacy. We allow and encourage our students to have Agency in their learning, through supporting them in setting learning goals and in knowing the next steps in their learning.

Engaging Students: Learning should be exciting and captivating! "Get Set and Connect" incorporates innovative teaching methods, interactive lessons, and hands-on experiences to keep students engaged and eager to explore the world of knowledge.

Promoting Coping Strategies: Resilience is a valuable life skill, and we prioritise the wellbeing and emotional development of our students. We teach the Zones of Development (More information will be provided in future newsletters and practical tools to navigate challenges and to self-regulate.

Greenhills School Values - Grit, Respect, Effort, Adventure, and Teamwork: Our school values are the pillars that guide our community. Through "Get Set and Connect," we reinforce the values of Grit, Respect, Effort, Adventure, and Teamwork in every aspect of school life, encouraging students to embody these principles both inside and outside the classroom.

We are enthusiastic about the upcoming school year and are confident that "Get Set and Connect" will set the stage for a year filled with growth, learning, and unforgettable experiences for your child at Greenhills Primary.

Janine Hough - janine.hough@education.vic.gov.au

Brad Ryan - bradley.ryan@education.vic.gov.au

Janine and Brad.