Engagement and Wellbeing
Engagement and Wellbeing @ Chilwell PS
A Whole School Approach to Engagement and Wellbeing at Chilwell PS
Chilwell PS is proud to be part of the Mental Health in Primary Schools initiative, a research-backed program funded by the Victorian Government. This initiative recognises the crucial role schools play in promoting positive mental health and early intervention.
Jason Cole is our Engagement and Wellbeing Leader at Chilwell PS. A qualified primary teacher, Jason brings extensive experience and expertise in student wellbeing. His role focuses on building the capacity and confidence of our staff to identify, support, and respond to students with wellbeing and engagement needs.
This includes:
- Promoting a whole school approach to wellbeing for students, staff and families
- Embedding social and emotional learning within the curriculum using the Resilience Project, Respectful Relationships and The Berry Street Model.
- Implementing evidence-based strategies for health, wellbeing, teaching and learning.
- Establishing clear referral pathways within our school and to community services.
- Strengthening connections with the local community and services.
This initiative supports a proactive approach, recognising that good mental health is key to a child’s learning, development and overall wellbeing. Through strong collaboration with regional staff, school leadership, educators, families and external agencies, we aim to ensure that every student has the support they need to thrive.
To keep our school community informed and connected, we will regularly share articles on mental health and wellbeing through the school newsletter. We’ll also provide information about free local parenting programs and other community supports throughout the year.
At Chilwell PS, we are deeply committed to the development of the whole child, supporting their health, happiness and success, both now and into the future.
The Berry Street Education Model (BSEM) is a trauma-informed, strengths-based framework with five core domains designed to improve student self-regulation, relationships and academic achievement. The domains are Body, Relationship, Stamina, Engagement and Character. Some of the whole-school strategies implemented are Brain Breaks and Morning Cirlces.
Morning Circle – The first 10 minutes of class are critical for setting the tone for learning. Consistent routines support engagement in learning and wellbeing. The structured routine supports our students to ground themselves, co-regulate and establish a common rhythm for the learning day.
Brain Breaks – Our school is implementing brain breaks to enhance learning. By selecting the appropriate activity during these breaks, teachers will ensure that students are primed and ‘Ready to Learn’ once more.
The BSEM offers a framework that creates calm, orderly, and inclusive classroom environments.
