At St Mary’s, wellbeing is not an “add-on” ,it is embedded in our culture, our programs and our daily interactions. We are proud of the strong, caring community we have built, where every child is known, valued and supported to reach their full potential.

 

Purpose-Built Wellbeing Spaces

St Mary’s provides dedicated facilities to support student wellbeing and inclusion:

Wellbeing Areas – Safe and welcoming spaces for counselling, small group work and intervention are located throughout the school.

 

Sensory Rooms – Specially designed rooms, created in consultation with an Occupational Therapist, offering calming sensory input and purposeful movement to reduce overload.

 

Ready Room – Staffed by a member of the Wellbeing Team to assist students who need support transitioning into the classroom.

 

Bridge Room – An alternative learning space for students who benefit from a change of environment or a short break from the classroom setting.

 

These spaces ensure every child has access to the support they need to successfully engage in learning.

 

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Social and Emotional Learning is explicitly taught across the school through a weekly 45-minute lesson in every class. We know that mentally healthy children are better equipped to learn, build positive relationships and manage life’s challenges.

Our evidence-based programs include:

• Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships (RRRR)

• Bounce Back

• Friendly Schools and Families

• Kindness Program

• The Resilience Project (focusing on Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness in alternate years)

 

These programs help students understand their emotions, build resilience, develop empathy and form respectful, positive relationships.

 

School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support

St Mary’s follows a positive behaviour framework known as ‘The St Mary’s Way’.

 

Built around clear, consistent expectations, this approach focuses on explicitly teaching positive behaviours rather than relying on punishment. It promotes respect, responsibility and a shared understanding of how we care for one another as a community.

 

Wellbeing Programs & Activities

A wide range of programs operate throughout the year to strengthen connection, belonging and resilience:

 

PALS Program

Our Year 6 students partner with Foundation students each fortnight to build friendships, confidence and leadership skills while supporting our youngest learners.

 

Lego Club

Held daily at lunchtime, Lego Club encourages creativity, collaboration and teamwork for students of all ages.

 

Yoga & Meditation

Regular sessions led by the Wellbeing Team promote mindfulness, relaxation and emotional regulation.

 

Dance Club

A fun, energetic lunchtime activity that supports movement, expression and joy.

 

Playground & Play Room Activities

Students can access structured activities in our Passive Play Area, with Wellbeing staff supporting social skill development.

 

Seasons for Growth

An eight-week program supporting students who have experienced grief, loss or family separation, guided by trained Wellbeing staff.

 

Brain Gym

Weekly classroom visits teach movement sequences that support concentration, coordination and emotional balance.

 

Peaceful Kids

A mindfulness-based program designed to help students manage anxiety and develop coping strategies.

 

Connectedness & Leadership

We foster a strong sense of belonging through:

• Cross-age peer programs

• Authentic student leadership opportunities (School Captains, Environmental Leaders and other roles)

• Close monitoring of attendance to ensure every child remains engaged and connected