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 Francis de Sales’ Catholic Primary School Woolooware we pride ourselves on creating positive and respectful relationships by recognising, nurturing and enriching each individual as a unique and special person. We use the KidsMatter and Be You framework and resources to address wellbeing by:

  • creating a positive school community
  • teaching students skills for healthy social and emotional development
  • working together and supporting families.

Some of the special programs we use to nurture and promote wellbeing with our students are K–6 Highway Heroes Social and Emotional Program, School-wide Positive Behaviour for Learning (SPBL), Zones of Regulation Program for emotional recognition, Restorative Justice principles and practices and a Reflection Centre for behaviour, social and emotional support.

St Francis de Sales Catholic Primary School Woolooware Student Wellbeing Two students holding a flower pot and smiling

We also have a school counsellor who is onsite to attend to individual student needs, work with parents and support staff in professional development with social and emotional learning and wellbeing issues. Special events are also held throughout the year to promote wellbeing and personal growth such as R U Ok? and Sabbath Week.

Anti-bullying policy

Sydney Catholic Schools rejects all forms of bullying behaviours, including online (or cyber) bullying, by maintaining a commitment to providing safe, inclusive and respectful learning communities that promote student wellbeing for learning. Staff at Sydney Catholic Schools are committed to employing wellbeing strategies that allow for a healthy school environment where bullying is less likely to occur.

If your child is experiencing bullying of any kind, or you have a wellbeing concern, we have a number of support services available for parents/carers and students, as listed below.

Support services: