At Donvale Primary School, student wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that when children feel safe, cared for and connected, they are best placed to learn, grow and thrive.
Our school values underpin all approaches to teaching and learning, guiding the way we build relationships, support behaviour and care for every child as an individual.
We are committed to nurturing the whole child — socially, emotionally and academically. Wellbeing is not treated as a separate program, but is woven throughout daily school life.
Teachers take time to know their students well, building strong, trusting relationships that help children feel supported and confident. Positive peer relationships are also intentionally fostered, helping students develop empathy, resilience and a sense of belonging.
Strong relationships are central to our wellbeing approach. We place a high priority on:
positive teacher–student relationships, where students feel known and supported
respectful student–student relationships, built through collaboration, shared experiences and explicit teaching
These relationships create a safe and supportive environment where students feel comfortable taking risks, sharing ideas and learning from mistakes.
Key concepts related to health and wellbeing are explicitly taught and reinforced across the curriculum. Through planned learning experiences, students develop skills in:
understanding and managing emotions
building positive relationships
resolving conflict respectfully
making healthy and safe choices
These concepts are revisited and strengthened over time, helping students apply their learning in real-life situations.
At Donvale Primary School, our commitment to student wellbeing is supported by a dedicated Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader.
This role plays an important part in ensuring that student mental health and wellbeing are actively supported across the school, not just in moments of need but as part of everyday learning.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader works closely with teachers to:
support the consistent teaching of wellbeing and social–emotional skills across year levels
strengthen whole-school approaches to wellbeing, including Respectful Relationships and School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS)
help teachers respond effectively and compassionately to student wellbeing needs
The role also supports students by:
helping identify students who may benefit from additional wellbeing support
coordinating appropriate strategies and supports within the school
working collaboratively with staff and families to ensure students feel safe, understood and supported
By supporting both students and teachers, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader helps ensure that wellbeing learning is intentional, consistent and embedded across our school.
Donvale Primary School is a School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) school.
SWPBS is a positive, preventative approach that:
clearly teaches expected behaviours
ensures consistent responses from all staff
recognises and celebrates positive behaviour
Just like literacy and numeracy, expected behaviours are explicitly taught, practised and reinforced. This approach helps create a calm, predictable environment where students feel secure and supported.
The Respectful Relationships program is embedded across our school and supports students to develop respect, empathy and equality.
Through Health and Physical Education and Personal and Social Capability learning, students:
build a strong sense of self
learn to recognise and manage emotions
develop empathy and respect for others
form positive, healthy relationships
This program supports our whole-school commitment to inclusion, wellbeing and mutual respect, preparing students to thrive both at school and in the wider community.
Our Prep–6 Buddy Program creates meaningful connections between older and younger students. Senior students support and guide younger peers, while younger students feel welcomed and supported as part of the school community.
Our wonderful Grade 5 students create strong relationships with the children at Tunstall Kinder, supporting them in learning about a school setting, reading books and playing simple games. An excellent opportunity to develop empathy and leadership traits for our Grade 5s.
Through House Matters, students are grouped into Prep–6 house groups, providing opportunities for connection across year levels. These mixed-age groups strengthen relationships, build school spirit and promote a sense of belonging and teamwork.
We provide a calm and caring environment for students who may need additional support. A dedicated wellbeing space is available for students to take time, regulate emotions and receive support when needed.
Our Year 5/6 peer mediators also play an important role in supporting positive interactions during break times, helping students resolve minor conflicts and maintain respectful relationships.
At Donvale Primary School, caring for children is not an add-on — it is central to our work. Through strong relationships, explicit teaching and consistent approaches, we create a school environment where every child feels:
valued
supported
safe
ready to learn
We know that happy, confident children are the foundation of a thriving learning community.
Families are encouraged to speak with their child’s teacher if they have questions or concerns about wellbeing. We value strong partnerships with families in supporting students’ social and emotional development.
