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.

Student WellbeingOur School-wide Positive Behaviour for Learning (SPBL) program is at the centre of student wellbeing. At all times, we strive to ensure that there is a consistent approach, which results in optimal learning opportunities for our students. Promoting well-being at school can substantially improve the social and emotional outcomes for our students. SPBL encourages students to reflect on their choices whilst reinforcing positive behaviours. We encourage the students to see a need and act positively, rewarding their efforts with stickers and awards culminating in attending a special morning tea with the principal.

Our three school rules are:

  1. We are safe
  2. We are respectful
  3. We are active learners

At St Joseph the Worker Catholic Primary School Auburn South we offer:

  • A buddy system ensures that our younger students always have an older student who will help to look after them.
  • Daily passive play spaces that allow students to be creative in a quieter environment.
  • A Peer Support program that places students at the centre of their learning, empowering them with practical skills and strategies to positively navigate life and relationships.
  • Cybersafety lessons encourage our students to act as positive leaders and supportive friends in all their social spaces, especially online.
  • A school counsellor onsite weekly for professional support of students when required.

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: