Student Wellbeing is an area of constant focus at St Brendan’s. Much time, effort, energy and professional development is devoted to this area. The school believes strongly that no learning can take place, if a child’s emotional wellbeing is adversely affected.
The Behaviour Support Policy empowers students, teachers, and parents to consistently make responsible decisions. This culture of responsibility develops safe, consistent, and secure learning environments where every student has an equal and fair opportunity to succeed. Our Whole School Approach is governed by the simple, memorable behavioural expectations of SMILE: (I saw that a school had used an acronym for their expectations, what do you think?)
- Speak respectfully
- Move and act safely
- I use all property and treat the environment with care
- Listen carefully
- Everyone follows directions
Respectful Relationships
Our Respectful Relationships (RR) Program is at the heart of fostering healthy connections, resilience, and confidence among our students. Integrated seamlessly with Religious Education through the Scope and Sequence of Created and Loved Integration, the RR curriculum covers essential topics throughout the school year:
Term 1: Emotional Literacy and Problem-Solving
Term 2: Personal Strengths and Help Seeking
Term 3: Gender and Identity and Positive Gender Relations
Term 4: Safe and Unsafe People (Daniel Morcombe Foundation) and Positive Coping
This comprehensive curriculum supports our school in promoting and modelling respect, positive attitudes, and behaviours. We recognize that St Brendan’s is not just a place of learning but a community where everyone deserves respect, value, and equality. Our whole-school approach ensures that positive attitudes, behaviours, and equality are not just taught in the classroom but are lived across the entire school community. For more information please visit https://www.vic.gov.au/respectful-relationships.
Student Representative Council/Student Voice Team
At St Brendan’s, we believe that every student’s voice is valuable. Our Student Representative Council (SRC) and Student Voice Team play a crucial role in making our school the best place for each individual student. With two representatives from each class, alongside the school leaders and house captains, we work together to ensure that every student’s perspective is heard and considered.
Democratic Class Meetings: Fostering Student Voice
Every three weeks, Democratic Class Meetings take place in our classrooms. These meetings focus on Encouragements, Challenges and Training for the class, giving students a platform to voice their opinions and concerns.
Wellbeing Days at St Brendan’s
At St Brendan’s, we go beyond the classroom to cultivate a positive and supportive environment through Wellbeing Events. Integrating elements from the RR Curriculum and insights from Student Voice, these events and initiatives are not just planned but actively run by our students, ensuring an enriched learning experience.
Harmony Day
Harmony Day is a powerful occasion at St Brendan’s where everyone is not only welcome but celebrated for their unique contributions. We embrace multiculturalism, fostering an environment that recognizes and appreciates the diversity within our school community.
Click on the photo to watch our video.
Day for Daniel
On our Day for Daniel, students engage in learning about safe and unsafe people, building awareness and empowering them with the knowledge to make informed choices. This initiative is in collaboration with the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, reinforcing our commitment to the safety and well-being of our students.
Body Education
St Brendan’s partners with external providers to bring students safe and up-to-date information about their bodies. The Body Education initiative equips students with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
Walk and Ride To School Days
Encouraging healthy habits from an early age, our Walk and Ride To School Days inspire students to choose active transportation options. By walking and riding to and from school, students not only contribute to a healthier lifestyle but also develop a sense of responsibility towards their well-being and the environment.
Community Engagement
At St Brendan’s, we value the input of our community. We actively seek feedback and suggestions from parents, teachers, and students on the topics they would like us to explore further. This ensures that the information and support we provide are not only relevant but tailored to the unique needs of our community.
Community Voice – Wellbeing at St Brendan’s
Buddy Program
St Brendan’s Primary School fosters a strong, supportive community through our valued buddy program, where Year 6 students are carefully selected and matched by Foundation teachers to guide new students through their initial transition into school life. This initiative provides vital social and emotional support to our youngest learners, helping them feel safe, connected, and a confident part of the school community right from their first days. For our senior students, the program is a significant and highly anticipated leadership opportunity that builds confidence, empathy, and a strong sense of responsibility. The regular shared learning time between the buddies enhances the social skills of all involved, creating strong bonds and a cohesive, warm school environment that benefits every member.