Positive wellbeing is fundamental to a child’s ability to learn, develop and thrive at school.

We know that when students feel supported, they are more engaged with their learning.

At Sydney Catholic Schools, we commit to providing safe, supportive and inclusive environments which nurture the wellbeing of all students and staff in our community.

Our student wellbeing policy is underpinned by the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework. The framework recognises five elements that are key to supporting the whole school community to build and maintain safe, positive relationships and wellbeing: leadership, inclusion, student voice, partnerships and support.

This is complemented by the Be You Framework, a national initiative for educators aimed at promoting and protecting positive mental health in children and young people. The integration of both frameworks supports our school communities to provide every student with the strongest foundation possible for them to reach their aspirations in learning and in life.

We have a systemic approach to wellbeing and positive behaviour with tiers of support to meet the diverse needs of staff, students and families. The offerings range from whole school initiatives, actively seeking student voice, system policies on anti-bullying, student counselling, staff training in student wellbeing, along with targeted interventions for students with complex social and emotional needs.

We are committed to a holistic approach which develops each facet of the child – spiritual, physical, intellectual, social, emotional, aesthetic and a sense of citizenship.

Our approach to behaviour management and pastoral care is viewed as an opportunity for learning.  Our Organic Learning framework fosters a growth mindset in students, and nurtures an understanding that we can all grow in our learning even if we can’t do everything yet.  Our transdisciplinary units of work have a very strong focus on helping students to develop empathy. When we see something from another’s point of view, we are able to problem solve more effectively. 

At St Mel’s we promote a sense of equity rather than equality.  This means that each individual is treated in a way that nurtures their specific needs and enhances their capacity to learn and grow.

2023 St Mel's Catholic Primary School Campsie. SCHOOL LIFE - Student Wellbeing

Anti-bullying policy

Sydney Catholic Schools rejects all forms of bullying behaviours, including online (or cyber) bullying, by maintaining a commitment to providing safe, inclusive and respectful learning communities that promote student wellbeing for learning. Staff at Sydney Catholic Schools are committed to employing wellbeing strategies that allow for a healthy school environment where bullying is less likely to occur.

If your child is experiencing bullying of any kind, or you have a wellbeing concern, we have a number of support services available for parents/carers and students, as listed below.

Support services: