We believe that student wellbeing is the foundation for learning. When students feel safe, supported and connected, they are better able to engage in their learning and develop the confidence to thrive both academically and socially. Our school has a dedicated Wellbeing Team who work closely with students, families and staff to ensure every child feels valued, supported and understood.

Purpose

Our wellbeing approach aims to enhance the development of positive relationships between students, teachers and all members of the school community. Strong relationships help build a sense of belonging, encourage positive behaviour and support students to navigate challenges both inside and outside the classroom.

Our Guiding Principles

At Kangaroo Flat Primary School we believe that:

• All individuals should be valued and treated with respect.
• The rights and responsibilities of students, parents and school staff are clearly communicated and honoured.
• The physical and emotional environment for teaching and learning must be safe, secure and appropriate for the developmental needs of our students.

These principles guide the way we work with students every day and help us maintain a positive, inclusive school culture. We are also committed to upholding the Victorian Child Safe Standards, ensuring that the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of children is always our highest priority.

Supporting Students in the Classroom

Teachers play an important role in supporting student wellbeing. At Kangaroo Flat Primary School, teachers create positive classroom environments where students feel both physically and emotionally safe. Consistency, clear expectations and supportive feedback help students learn how to make positive choices and regulate their behaviour.

All staff follow the Berry Street Education Model, which supports trauma-informed teaching practices. This approach helps teachers understand how experiences and emotions can affect behaviour and learning, allowing staff to respond with empathy, structure and support.

Teachers also model positive communication and respectful behaviour, encouraging students to interact with others in a kind, cooperative and responsible way.

The Re-Focus Room

To further support student wellbeing, our school provides a Re-Focus Room. This space allows students to take a short break from the classroom when they feel overwhelmed or need time to regulate their emotions. Students typically spend around 10 minutes settling and resetting before returning to class ready to continue their learning.

The Re-Focus Room is a proactive support that helps students develop self-regulation skills and return to learning successfully.

Consistency Through the Science of Learning

All classrooms at Kangaroo Flat Primary School use approaches aligned with the Science of Learning. This ensures predictability, clear routines and consistency across the school, which supports both student wellbeing and academic success. Structured learning environments help students feel secure and understand what is expected of them throughout the school day.

Through strong relationships, clear expectations and supportive wellbeing practices, Kangaroo Flat Primary School is committed to helping every student feel safe, respected and ready to learn.