Student Wellbeing and Inclusion

We recognise that engaging curriculum has a positive effect on wellbeing but also that learning can be severely impacted without good mental health. Therefore, as part of our strategic plans, we have developed programs and strategies to build connection, social and emotional wellbeing, some that support individuals and some for specific groups of students. Some programs provide both.

We have school programs and partnerships that enhance school wide positive behaviour support with our staff and students.

Whole School

Student Inclusion Leader – dedicated leadership team member to lead wellbeing and inclusion programs across the school.

Staff Wellbeing Team – across school staff meet each term to plan and review initiatives and issues.

School Counsellor – The school self- funds a counsellor who meets with students who ask for help or are identified by staff or parents.

School Nurse – daily nurse attending to first aid and often at the front line of wellbeing and inclusion issues related to friendships

**All students are welcome to self-refer to the Student Wellbeing Coordinator, School Nurse, School counsellors, Assistant Principal and Principal if they would like to discuss a particular issue or feel as though they may need support of any kind. We are proud to have an ‘open door’ policy where students and staff are partners in learning. Your child’s classroom teacher is generally your first point of contact for issues pertaining to your child.

The Albert Park Way is considered fundamental to all of our work at APPS. It is a common language of action and behaviour that we can all use on a daily basis and to instil a pride in the way we work and play. Positive behaviour is acknowledged formally in school assemblies through the presentation of Albert Park Way bands.

Albert Park Learner Disposition Awards are presented to students to acknowledge positive learning behaviours. They are awarded in the classroom with Learner Disposition certificates.

Learning Achievement Awards are recognition of participation and achievement in external programs and competitions.  The are awarded at the assembly and in the newsletter

eSmart and cyber safety programs are taught explicitly to promote cybersafe and responsible online behaviour of students across the school but we recognise that it is best taught in partnership between home and school. We participate in the Department of Education Bully Busters program and work closely with the Alannah and Madeline Foundation and engage them and other providers to deliver staff, students and parent information sessions.

Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships Program- we participate as a partner school in the Bayside schools project. The Staff/Community Action team lead the implementation of Social and Emotional Learning with a strong focus on gender equality and inclusivity. The program is taught explicitly across the school according to the APPS scope and sequence. We also hold accreditation as a Kids Matter school focussing on mental health and utilise the resources of the Bounce Back Wellbeing and Resilience Program that focus on the core values which aptly support the Albert Park Way

The Kindness Program which focuses on the wellbeing benefits of acts of kindness for both the giver and receiver, forms part of the APPS Wellbeing scope and sequence each year and teachers lead mindfulness in the classrooms.

Initiatives to build boost wellbeing and engagement

Play leaders are trained to lead playground activities in the Pop Up Park for the younger students at lunchtime twice a week. This initiative forms part of our Grade 6 leadership program.

Trained student Peer Mediators support other students to navigate minor issues and disputes in the playground under the supervision of yard duty teachers. We promote Talk it out to sort it out approach for conflict resolution and support students through the conversation as required.

Our library provides a secure and quiet retreat for students. It allows for supervised book browsing, borrowing and quiet activities for the half hour of every lunchtime. Students then have a short time to stretch their legs and release energy before they return to classrooms.

We have purchased outdoor play equipment as a strategy to provide structured play opportunities and to enhance use of quiet ‘corners’ as respite from our crowded yard. 

Programs targeting specific groups and individuals

Students with additional needs are support through a collaborative approach between school, home and allied health support staff if involved. Individual Education Plans and Behaviour Support Plans outline specific goals and strategies.

The school counsellor meets with students who ask for help or are identified by staff or parents.

DET Student Services Support Officer works with our team to provide assessments for students referred by teachers in consultation with parents. They provide feedback with recommendations that are then incorporated into Individual Education Plans and regular Student Support Group meetings are held if required. The SSSO team also play a vital role in enabling us to access Program for Students with Disabilities funding.