Wellbeing
Wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at our school. We know that children learn best when they feel safe, supported, and valued, which is why we place such importance on nurturing the whole child—socially, emotionally, spiritually, and academically. Guided by our commitment to being Safe, Fair and Kind, we create a positive environment where every student feels a sense of belonging. Our wellbeing programs and restorative practices help students to build resilience, develop healthy relationships, and grow in confidence. By prioritising wellbeing alongside learning, we ensure that every child has the foundation they need to thrive, both at school and beyond.
Restorative Practices
Restorative Practices are a process that St Joseph’s proudly embraces, providing a way to respond to conflict that focuses on repairing harm rather than assigning blame. This approach ensures that all parties involved have a voice, promoting understanding, accountability, and empathy. At the heart of Restorative Practices is the belief that strong relationships are key to a positive school community. We build these relationships through Circle Time in classrooms, buddy groups, and collaborative problem-solving, helping students develop the skills to communicate respectfully, resolve disagreements peacefully, and grow in their understanding of being Safe, Fair and Kind.
Student Leadership
At St Joseph’s, student leadership is celebrated across all year levels, with every Year 5 and 6 student taking on a role in a leadership team. Students’ voices are encouraged and valued through class meetings, surveys, and opportunities to participate in decision-making, particularly among middle and senior students. The Student Representative Council (SRC) meets regularly, providing students with a platform to lead initiatives and contribute meaningfully to the wider school community. Our school mantra, Safe, Fair and Kind, continues to guide behaviour expectations, particularly during play and courtyard assemblies, ensuring a positive and respectful environment. Parents are kept informed and engaged with wellbeing initiatives, including social skills programs, through regular updates via the school newsletter and Class Dojo.
Buddy Program
Our Buddies Program brings students from Prep to Year 6 together in their house groups on a fortnightly basis, fostering house pride and positive relationships across year levels. Year 5 and 6 house captains work alongside teachers to lead games, activities, Circle Times, and lessons that focus on social-emotional learning, wellbeing, and multi-age collaboration. The program also provides opportunities to celebrate important events, such as NAIDOC Week, World Kindness Day, and R U OK? Day, helping students develop empathy, teamwork, and a strong sense of community.
Circle Time
Circle Time is an integral part of our school culture, used across all year levels and lessons, and even at staff meetings! Circles are consistently employed to build relationships, foster trust, and ensure every voice is heard. Through regular participation, students develop empathy and a deeper understanding of the importance of building and restoring relationships with peers, staff, and the wider community. Staff actively model and practise the language of Restorative Practices, reinforcing a school-wide approach that nurtures respect, responsibility, and a strong sense of belonging.
MHiPS
At St Joseph’s, children’s mental health and wellbeing are a top priority. We are supported by a dedicated Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) representative, who works alongside our existing wellbeing programs to ensure students have the support they need to thrive. The MHiPS initiative equips experienced teachers with additional training to build capacity in our school, helping all students develop resilience, cope with challenges, and reach their full potential.
The Resilience Project
At St Joseph’s, we partner with The Resilience Project to build a strong, resilient school community. Using the evidence-based principles of Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness (GEM), and Emotional Literacy, the program equips students with practical strategies to manage challenges, develop positive relationships, and foster a sense of wellbeing. It also supports educator resilience, helping teachers model and promote healthy coping skills, while empowering families to continue this work at home. Through engaging lessons, reflective activities, and whole-school initiatives, The Resilience Project helps our students develop the skills and mindset to thrive both now and into the future.
Meditation
At St Joseph’s, daily classroom meditation supports students’ emotional wellbeing and focus. These short, guided sessions give students a quiet space to calm their minds, regulate emotions, and develop mindfulness skills. By practising breathing exercises, stillness, and positive visualisations, students build resilience, improve concentration, and develop strategies for managing challenges - benefits that extend beyond the classroom.
RRRR
At St Joseph’s, our RRRR program (Rights, Resilience and Respectful Relationships) is a government-researched initiative that promotes positive behaviour, strong relationships, and inclusive attitudes. Weekly lessons and explicit teaching, guided by Restorative Practices and New Testament values, help students develop self-management, resilience, and empathy. Students also explore inclusion, cultural recognition, and personal identity, with these themes integrated across Inquiry, Religious Education, and social justice learning.
SRC
The Student Representative Council (SRC), meets regularly with students from all year levels and provides students with a meaningful platform to express their ideas, take initiative, and contribute to school life. Through projects such as Daffodil Day fundraising and participation in our own Little Long Walk during Reconciliation Week, SRC members demonstrate leadership, compassion, and a commitment to social justice. The SRC empowers students to collaborate with peers and staff, take ownership of initiatives, and actively shape the school’s culture, fostering a strong sense of belonging, responsibility, and student voice across the community.
