Student Wellbeing in the Junior Grades

Student Wellbeing in the Junior Grades.

We learn in social situations and under the umbrella of our school and community values; ‘Love of learning’, ‘Sense of Community’ and ‘Respect’ we aim to provide a consistent approach throughout the school in ensuring that all students feel safe and valued at school and have optimum conditions to learn. We believe in creating positive partnerships and strong relationships with our student and parent community. We endeavour to work within the guidelines of our ‘Protocols’ which include active listening to others which is based on mutual respect, being aware of the safety and wellbeing of others, taking collective responsibility for our neighbourhood and school environment and helping each other to learn in the best way we can. These agreed ‘Protocols’ are displayed in each neighbourhood and referred to in joint discussions and provide us with guidelines for maintaining a happy and caring environment. The ‘Student Wellbeing’ team at PHPS comprises of representatives from throughout the school who meet regularly to continue to develop a whole school approach to ensure that our student body have a positive experience at school. We believe student voice is critical and that each student has the right to be heard and valued. We are guided by the work of Ramon Lewis from Latrobe University and work with him to assist us in our goals. We are involved in continued Professional Development with him and the belief that restorative and positive practices in student management are reflective of our community beliefs. There are clear guidelines in dealing with playground issues and these are monitored regularly to ensure that matters are dealt with effectively. We have a team of ‘Peer Mediators’ who have been trained to assist in minor incidences between students in the playground. This connects to our belief that the teacher is not the only person at the front in dealing with conflicts and that empowering the students to be part of the process of caring and helping others to be responsible for the wellbeing of the group is crucial in a social setting. We have embedded this learning in an initial Inquiry throughout the school in creating a climate where we function happily and with respect as a community and understand our rights and responsibilities. We are committed to treasuring all of our students as individuals and as part of a community and helping them to become confident and joyful learners who have so much to offer in their journey in their early years.

Kevin Siemonek ( Prep-2 Student Wellbeing Team)