Wellbeing
Student Wellbeing
Student Wellbeing is the ability to maintain a positive attitude, resilience, and satisfaction with self and others so that full participation in the social and academic aspects of school can be achieved. At St Scholastica’s we take a ‘top down’ approach to ensure that wellbeing is attainable and maintained for the purposes of social growth and academic achievement. We strongly believe that, without a sense of wellbeing and satisfaction with self, that children will not engage in an age appropriate way with the curriculum. Likewise, if we don’t target curriculum content and teaching strategies to the point of need of individual children, their wellbeing will be affected. We aim to find the balance between wellbeing and learning to fully benefit from the reciprocal nature between the two.
Learning Environments
Our teachers ensure careful consideration into the design and set up of classrooms to ensure they are welcoming, comfortable and suitable for the purpose of learning. We aim for clarity of purpose for the different areas of the room and resources within the room to support independent learning. Each child’s name will be close to the entrance of the room so it is clear this is a place they are welcome and belong. It will also appear on bag lockers, birthday charts, daily schedules and book boxes as a constant reminder that this is their place. You will notice things such as anchor charts, waterfall charts and worked examples that help children rely less on teacher support for things they have already learnt and allow for growth in independence. The classrooms are bright, colourful and well-maintained adding to a feeling of wellness and wellbeing.
Student Behaviour
The school provides positive behaviour support by focussing on the behaviours we DO want to see in our students. Rather than naming and noticing mis-behaviours, we repeat expectations and, when safe, refrain from using a child’s name in conjunction with a negative behaviour. In the same way we don’t punish a child who has not learnt a key concept of reading, we continue to target negative behaviours with an expectation that the child will learn age-appropriate behaviours with explicit instruction and support. We aim to prevent negative behaviours by scaffolding student behaviour in the same way we might scaffold the learning of key curriculum areas. For example- times tables which can be learnt with repetition, practiced examples and teacher support. We provide visual displays, anchor charts and rewards to support the children’s independence in managing their own behaviour.
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Personal and Social Capability from the Victorian Curriculum is highly valued, planned and taught each week. We believe that success in life, wellbeing and learning is impingent on someone having capacity to use social and emotional skills. This extends from learning to social situations, family relationships and everyday life skills. At St Scholastica’s we use the Respectful Relationships Program to cover the 5 core competencies of SEL:
- Self Awareness
- Self Management
- Social Awareness
- Relationship Skills
- Responsible Decision-Making
We believe by explicitly teaching these skills the children move forward to engage in peer relationships, learning habits and life in a resilient and confident way. Our SEL program is complimented by the use of the following resources:
- Circle time
- Playtime Clubs
- Student Leadership
- Cyber Safety
- Transition
- Buddy programs
- Meditation / Mindfulness
- BeYou
- Chaplaincy and Counseling
- Sun Smart
- Asthma Foundation
- Restorative Practices
Child Safety
At St. Scholastica’s, the safety, care, and wellbeing of children and young people is our foremost responsibility. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, we strive to uphold the values of love, justice, and respect for the dignity of every individual. Working hand-in-hand with families and the wider community, we foster an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity. Our goal is to nurture confident learners who not only question and challenge but also engage with and positively impact the world. We are committed to supporting each child’s spiritual, academic, social, and emotional development, ensuring every student is given the opportunity to thrive. We believe that every student has the potential to succeed. As a Catholic School we abide by the CECV Commitment Statement to Child Safety and are compliant with the Victoria’s Child Safe Standards, put in place in 2016 to protect children and young people from harm and abuse.
Parenting Ideas
Our school is linked to Michael Grose’s Parenting Ideas website. He offers positive parenting tips on child development for raising children and teenagers to be happy & resilient and building strong families.
