Student Wellbeing

Araluen Primary School has a commitment to student wellbeing and provides a range of programs and supports as detailed below.

School Wide Positive Behaviours

School-wide positive behaviour support (SWPBS) is a framework that brings together school communities to develop positive, safe, supportive learning cultures.

SWPBS assists schools in improving social, emotional, behavioural, and academic outcomes for children and young people.

When SWPBS is implemented well, teachers and students have more time to focus on relationships and classroom instruction. Students and staff benefit from:

• increased respectful and positive behaviour.

• increased time focused on instruction.

• improved social-emotional well-being.

• positive and respectful relationships among students and staff.

• increased adoption of evidence-based instructional practices.

• a predictable learning environment with improved perceptions of safety and increased attendance.

• SWPBS can be implemented in any school setting to support students from Foundation through to Year 12. The framework supports schools to identify and successfully implement evidence-based whole-school practices to enhance learning outcomes for children and young people.

Implementation of SWPBS requires a commitment from the whole school community, particularly from the principal and leadership group. 

Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader - Elizabeth Robbins

The school has a Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader available Monday and Tuesday. In primary schools in Victoria, the Mental Health and Well-being Leader plays a crucial role in promoting the overall emotional and psychological welfare of students. They work closely with students, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders to create a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters positive mental health practices. This role involves implementing evidence-based programs and interventions to address various mental health challenges students may face, such as stress, anxiety, and social-emotional difficulties. The mental health and wellbeing leader also provides training and resources for staff to support student mental health, coordinates support services, and facilitates partnerships with external agencies to ensure comprehensive care for students. By prioritising mental health and well-being, these leaders contribute to creating a school culture that values the holistic development and success of every child. 

Psychologist - Shari Balog

The school has a psychologist available for students on Fridays. This is on a needs basis. Some students receive 1:1 support, whilst others work in small groups. Shari works with the students to develop emotional literacy and resilience, with a focus on developing strategies and techniques to help deal with big emotions.  She helps students bring awareness around feelings and how to express these healthily and constructively through mindset and movement techniques.

Buddies

Our Buddies program promotes social and emotional development and helps to build and support networks for students in Foundation and Foundation Support. It promotes a sense of community and belonging in the school. 

Breakfast Club

Breakfast Club is organised by our Student Wellbeing Coordinator with the assistance of our wonderful parent volunteers. Breakfast is available on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8.30 a.m. in the Coolibah Cafe. Breakfast is provided at no charge and is available to all students to give them a healthy start to their day.

School Nurse

Each year, children in Foundation undergo a full medical check-up by a school nurse from the Department of Human Services. The School Nurse runs an information session for Foundation parents before the annual medical checks. He/she also follows up on children in other grades previously identified with medical concerns. Any other children may be referred by a teacher or at the request of a parent. This is a free service.

Educational Support Services

Personnel to assist schools in both Education Programs/Assessments and Student Services (Counselling and Guidance / Speech Pathology) are available, after consultation with the school.