Positive wellbeing is fundamental to a child’s ability to learn, develop and thrive at school.
We know that when students feel supported, they are more engaged with their learning.
At Sydney Catholic Schools, we commit to providing safe, supportive and inclusive environments which nurture the wellbeing of all students and staff in our community.
Our student wellbeing policy is underpinned by the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework. The framework recognises five elements that are key to supporting the whole school community to build and maintain safe, positive relationships and wellbeing: leadership, inclusion, student voice, partnerships and support.
This is complemented by the Be You Framework, a national initiative for educators aimed at promoting and protecting positive mental health in children and young people. The integration of both frameworks supports our school communities to provide every student with the strongest foundation possible for them to reach their aspirations in learning and in life.
We have a systemic approach to wellbeing and positive behaviour with tiers of support to meet the diverse needs of staff, students and families. The offerings range from whole school initiatives, actively seeking student voice, system policies on anti-bullying, student counselling, staff training in student wellbeing, along with targeted interventions for students with complex social and emotional needs.
At St Gabriel’s Catholic Primary School Bexley, student welfare is a shared responsibility between home, school and the community. The school has implemented programs to encourage positive social behaviours and problem solving skills. These programs include SPBL, Friendology, UR Strong, Buddies, Peer Support, Playground Assist, Student Awards and Environmental Stewardship.
Schoolwide Positive Behaviour for Learning (SPBL)
Schoolwide Positive Behaviour for Learning (SPBL) at St Gabriel’s encourages students to Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe and Be a Learner. Expectations encourage a safe, respectful and optimal learning environment that affirms the dignity of all students, staff and families.
Friendology
Friendology introduces students to the skills, language and strategies needed to build strong lasting friendships. Friendology gives students the ‘friendship framework’ with comprehensive, progressive lessons that serve as the starting point for embedding our school-wide friendship strategies. Friendology supports our Schoolwide Positive Behaviour for Learning framework.
Buddies
The care that our students demonstrate towards each other enhances the learning environment at St Gabriel’s Catholic Primary School. Children in Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 have a senior buddy to care for and support them. A significant part of Year 6 leadership is the care for their younger buddy.
Student Health and Wellbeing
Our students are encouraged to play actively and creatively. Students are given the opportunity to represent the school at sporting events such as swimming, cross country, athletics, soccer, AFL, rugby union, tennis, cricket, netball, and basketball. The school has a healthy canteen that is open for lunch and recess on Wednesdays and Fridays throughout each term.