Student Wellbeing is linked to learning and is consistent with the values and vision of St Mary’s School. We strive to reinforce positive behaviour that reflects our Christian values and the good news of the Gospel.
Mental Health & Wellbeing – A Holistic Approach to Learning and Living
At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. As a Catholic community, we believe each child is created in the image and likeness of God, with unique gifts, strengths and potential. Our commitment to mental health and wellbeing is grounded in faith, guided by evidence-based practice, and lived out through a holistic approach to teaching and learning.
Our decision-making is underpinned by a whole-child philosophy. We recognise that academic growth, spiritual development, emotional wellbeing, social capability and physical health are deeply connected. When children feel safe, valued and known, they thrive — both in learning and in life.
In 2026, we proudly launched the MACS Vision for Engagement, strengthening our shared understanding that authentic engagement is built on strong relationships, high expectations and inclusive practices. This vision shapes our classrooms, playgrounds and leadership structures, ensuring every child feels a deep sense of belonging.
Explicit Teaching of Wellbeing
Wellbeing at St Mary’s is not left to chance — it is intentionally and explicitly taught.
Each class participates in a dedicated weekly wellbeing lesson focused on developing:
- An understanding of personal strengths
- Emotional and Mental Health Literacy
- Self-regulation and emotional awareness
- Metacognition and growth mindset skills
- Positive social skills and conflict resolution
- Digital and physical safety
- Healthy, respectful relationships
Students are given practical strategies and a shared language to navigate friendships, challenges and learning with confidence and resilience.
A Whole-School Approach to Friendship
We are proud to be a UR Strong School. Through the explicit teaching of Friendology, students learn the skills to build and maintain healthy friendships and to manage conflict in kind and respectful ways.
Our whole-school approach ensures consistency from Foundation to Year 6, empowering students with the tools to:
- Recognise healthy and unhealthy friendships
- Communicate clearly and calmly
- Solve “normal friendship problems” independently
- Strengthen empathy and inclusion
This shared framework builds a culture where kindness, courage and connection flourish.
Knowing Every Child
At St Mary’s, we are deeply committed to knowing each student as an individual. We monitor student wellbeing through the use of Ripple, an evidence-based and confidential wellbeing data collection tool. Ripple enables us to regularly check in on how students are feeling and to respond promptly and proactively when additional support may be needed.
This data-informed approach ensures that no child goes unseen and that supports can be tailored thoughtfully and sensitively.
Student Voice & Leadership
Our Student Representative Council (SRC) provides meaningful opportunities for students to contribute to school-based decisions, safety initiatives and improvement planning.
Our SRC representatives are peer elected, demonstrating courage and leadership in putting themselves forward to serve the school community. They meet regularly to:
- Share ideas and feedback from their peers
- Support school improvement initiatives
- Lead social justice responses
- Organise fundraising efforts for local community causes
Through the SRC, students learn that their voice matters and that leadership is grounded in service.
The Power of Connection: Our Buddy Program
Our much-loved Buddy Program connects students across year levels, fostering belonging, empathy and leadership. Older students mentor and support younger students, building relationships that extend beyond the classroom.
This program strengthens our sense of belonging and provides additional layers of social and emotional support, ensuring every child feels connected and nurtured.
Mindfulness & Reflection
Mindfulness opportunities are embedded throughout the school day. Students are guided in practices that support calmness, focus and self-awareness, including:
- Breathing and grounding strategies
- Quiet reflection and prayer
- Gratitude practices
These moments of pause nurture emotional regulation and spiritual growth, helping students develop lifelong wellbeing habits.
A Community of Care
Mental health and wellbeing at St Mary’s is a shared responsibility. Through faith, strong partnerships with families, explicit teaching, student leadership and evidence-based teaching and monitoring, we create an environment where children feel safe, known and inspired.
We are proud to foster a community where every child can grow academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually — confident in who they are and hopeful about who they are becoming.
