Student Wellbeing
The foundation of our positive school culture is the active participation of all members of the school community so they feel valued, safe and secure, are provided with meaningful opportunities to contribute to the school and have every opportunity to meet their personal, social and educational potential.

Our school’s Student Engagement and Wellbeing Policy articulates the school community’s shared expectations in the areas of student engagement, student attendance and student behaviour. The policy supports the right of every community member to engage in and promote a safe and inclusive school environment.

Ripponlea's Student Wellbeing Leader our Assistant Principal along with all staff monitor and review current student engagement and wellbeing, and work to implement evidence-based practices and initiatives across the school. Students participate in connecting circles, mindfulness, meditation, yoga, active brain breaks and regular sessions around building social skills and resilience.  We actively teach our students about their personal and communal responsibilities to 'do the right thing' and act with integrity.
 

Engagement

Relationships continue to be the key to our thriving school community, and we actively promote positive relationships among students, between students and staff, and between the school and our families and the broader community. These relationships are nurtured by all for the benefit of our students. Positive relationships are a key feature of the teaching and learning program and authentic real-world learning, but social and emotional learning continues to be our driving force.

In 2022, we formed a Respectful Relationships team and focused on a whole school approach to embedding a culture of respect, inclusion, and equality across our entire school community. Respect for the diversity of beliefs and families within the community, open and respectful community dialogue, and ensuring that diversity was visible, acknowledged and celebrated. Joining the school’s team was a critical friend from Caulfield Community Health as well as parent members. The team completed professional learning, and a self-evaluation committing to action. 

Our goal continues to embed universal features of the School Wide Positive Behaviour Support framework (SWPBS) to create a positive and safe climate for learning, social engagement, mental health and well-being.

We emphasise the teaching of the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships (RRRR) program to support whole-school social and emotional learning. In 2023 we are committed to working with Vanessa Hamilton, using effective strategies to deliver Health, Sexuality and Consent education.   

Returning from two years in lockdowns severely impacted the ability of our students to manage social conflict in the playground and classrooms and to self-regulate. Students were experiencing a range of ‘big’ emotions, without the capacity to evaluate and apply problem-solving strategies or restore relationships. 

We introduced Art Therapy and Music Therapy sessions for all students to explore themes of connection, resiliency, emotional literacy and self-regulation strategies through art and their creativity:

• Remaining curious, open to change and having the ability to adapt to situations with problem-solving as key learning.
• Identifying inner strengths, emphasising the qualities that strengthen our character and make us better people e.g., caring, sharing, helpful and kind.
• Calming strategies by finding treasures within ourselves and things that can be collected. Mindfulness and worry stones were explored as well as the power of words.
• Challenges and gratitude and activating the best version of self and having respect for others. Recognition for those who support us through challenges and never giving up and achieving your personal best.

The Inform and Empower - Safety and Wellbeing Online incursions support students to navigate their return to the outdoors (Green Time) and away from screens (Screen Time) as well as support them to manage unwanted contact online, unsafe content and help-seeking from trusted adults.

Circle Time at Ripponlea Primary School is embedded into school routines.  The circle format is an ancient form of spiritual, communal and political communication and is found throughout world traditions. We use a circle to encourage positive interactions, provide structure to our teaching practices and when we want to talk about an issue in a way that allows everyone to participate and contribute. Circle Time sets up a climate of collaboration and trust and is useful for teacher and student discussion and decision-making.