Student Wellbeing

At Keller Road Primary we believe that all students should have their physical and emotional wellbeing supported to ensure that they are in the right space to learn. Staff have undergone extensive professional development to enable them to follow best practice to modify classroom pedagogy. Staff across the site use consistent language, approaching students through the lens of trauma-informed practice. All classrooms now have a calm down/ reengagement space instead of a punitive timeout area. Students have a variety of re-engagement activities to help support their redirection, refocus and again be ready to learn.

We follow the Berry Street Education Model at Keller Road Primary. The Berry Street Education Model focusses on 5 domains. The domains are Body, Character, Engagement and Stamina all anchored by Relationships. Strategies are taught through evidence based classroom strategies. This whole school approach supports students who experience difficulties connecting to the learning environment and developing strong relationships.

Staff work together to unify the language used in the classroom and in the yard, modelling successful interactions while supporting students to engage positively with their peers, staff, community and most importantly connect strongly to their own strengths.

Students who are struggling to regulate their feelings and behaviour, students who have trouble complying with the rigour of the school environment, suffer from anxiety and students who are triggered by seemingly small incidences benefit from this whole school approach.

The Berry Street Curriculum is purposefully designed to support the sequential development of students’ physical, psychological, social and emotional capacities.

We believe the benefits to our student community positively impact on all aspects of their social and academic learning.

Wellbeing Leader

Mental health and wellbeing in our school is everybody’s responsibility. All teachers have a duty of care to every student under their supervision. Student wellbeing leaders are qualified teachers who broaden their professional knowledge and develop expertise about student wellbeing and mental health. We have a full time wellbeing coordinator on site.
In this role they:

• help lead a whole school approach to student wellbeing and mental health
• build and maintain professional relationships within the school community and other agencies
• work cooperatively with the whole school community to create a safe, supportive and respectful teaching and learning environment
• provide wellbeing support and case management
• use wellbeing data and evidence to plan school wellbeing responses
• share access to relevant programs, initiatives and services for staff and students

Behaviour Management

At Keller Road Primary School, we practise restorative justice complemented by Berry Street trauma awareness strategies. Students are given the opportunity to be heard, and feel empowered to resolve conflict through conference, with adult support to build individual skills.

Students are familiar with policy and process to allow opportunities for self-regulation and positive decision-making. Fair outcomes are sought with long-lasting strategies to encourage student responsibility and choices in future.

Student Voice, the student leadership group, facilitates leadership and peer support practises to support younger year levels with de-escalation, conflict management and mediation, and responsible, kind behaviours