We commit to providing safe and supportive environments which nurture the wellbeing of all students and staff in our community, and hold firmly to the belief that they have a right to be safe, respected and valued in an inclusive environment. We know that when students are happy, they are more engaged with their learning.
Schools benefit from wellbeing initiatives and pastoral care support through Sydney Catholic Schools – in areas such as anti-bullying, positive behaviour, student counselling, refugee support and child protection – which range from universal support for all students, to targeted interventions for students with complex social and emotional needs.
At St Mark’s Catholic Primary School Drummoyne the wellbeing of our students is an important part of our day-to-day teaching and social interactions. Ensuring that every child feels safe and happy at school is vital to us.
To support our work in this area of student wellbeing we have implemented:
- School Wide Positive Behaviour For Learning (SPBL) a whole school approach to student wellbeing and behaviour
- Be You framework, to improve children’s mental health and wellbeing as well as building positive relationships and partnerships with students, parents and families
- Peer support program: An annual peer-led, skills-based, experiential program that encourages peer connections throughout the school and assists students in developing practical skills to enhance social and emotional wellbeing. Our student leaders are trained to facilitate these sessions
- Student mindfulness program: to promote mindfulness
- Student led wellbeing initiatives: such as Anti Bullying day, Harmony Day and Be a Friend day
- Buddy program: which gives the senior students the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and give Kindergarten students support via a helpful senior friend
- Lunch club: to build and develop social and emotional skills
- Restorative Practice: Year 5 students are trained and act as playground mentors to support all students.
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:
- Community Police Youth Liaison Officer: Constable James Bottalico – Ashfield Local Area Command: 9797 4052
- School Counsellor: Please contact the school office (02) 9181 3042 for further information
- Kids Helpline
- Student Wellbeing Hub – Department of Education
- Anti Bullying – Department of Education
- Parent Line NSW
- Family and Community Services Helpline: 133 627
- NSW Health: (02) 9391 9000