Student Wellbeing
Creating a Community of Empowered Learners Nurturing and Empowering Learners to Thrive
Students learn best when they feel safe, valued and connected.
As a nurturing and empowering school community, our goal is to ensure that students, staff and families thrive and develop the social and emotional capabilities for lifelong learning, confidence and resilience. Our learning community is also focused on making the world a better place for everyone.
Our integrated wellbeing approach supports pastoral care, explicit teaching and strong relationships. At School of the Nativity we offer the following support, programs and initiatives:
- What’s the Buzz
- Peaceful Kids
- Zones of Regulation
- Positive Education Curriculum
- Positive Behaviour Intervention and Support
School Counselling
Kyra McMahon, our school counsellor, is available to provide individual counselling for students from Reception to Year 6. Our school counselling service is managed by Centacare and provides short-term support for students through referral and parental consent. The counsellor works collaboratively with families and staff to develop tailored support plans.
Please visit the Centacare website to learn more about what they do | Centacare Catholic Community Services – School Couselling
Counselling at School of the Nativity
A counselling service is available to all our students and their families from Reception to Year 6.
Referrals for children can be made in one of three ways:
- Self-referral by students (specifically in Years 5-6)
- Referral by a staff member
- Referral by parents / caregivers
(Parental permission is required for students in Reception to Year 4.)
How can counselling be helpful at a Primary School level?
Counsellors listen carefully to children to find out how they feel, what they think about, what they enjoy and dislike, and what they are confused about. They can help children to make sense of things that seem confusing or upsetting.
Counsellors can help children to feel better about themselves and make changes in their lives. They assist children to find their strengths and help with solving problems.
Counsellors can also talk with family members about issues affecting their children.
Common issues students present with include difficulties with friendships, grief, assertiveness and anxiety.
For further information please contact kmcmahon@nativity.catholic.edu.au, info@nativity.catholic.edu.au or contact your child’s teacher.
Wellbeing Coordinator
Our Wellbeing Coordinator, Rachel Baulderstone, works with the school community to promote social and emotional health and learning. Rachel organises our Student Leadership Team, Young Environmental Leadership Program, Parish-School events and initiatives, social justice fundraisers, and classroom behaviour support.
Student Leadership Team
Our Student Leadership Team (SLT) meets fortnightly to discuss ideas and issues that have arisen via class meetings. We have representatives from Reception to Year 6. Through our SLT we can help students to:
- Have an opportunity to develop leadership skills
- Gain an understanding of democratic principles
- Gain skills in learning how to work as a team
- Develop creative and enterprising solutions for issues raised via class meetings
Buddy Classes
Each fortnight classes meet with their designated buddy class. We engage in “Play is the Way” games to teach social and emotional skills using guided play and an empowering language. Through these activities, we build relationships and consolidate the personal and social capabilities of students.
What’s The Buzz?
What’s the Buzz? is a social and emotional learning program designed to teach children how to think socially and make friendship work.
Our staff are trained in What’s The Buzz? This is taught in whole class and small-group settings depending on the needs of our student community.
More information can be found at: https://www.whatsthebuzz.net.au/index.php
