Wellbeing Programs

At Montpellier Primary School, we believe that nurturing social and emotional wellbeing is essential to helping every student flourish.

We are committed to creating a positive, supportive school community where all students feel connected and a strong sense of belonging. Wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do, embedded in our programs, relationships, and daily practices.

Our whole-school wellbeing approach prioritises the development of social and emotional skills and capabilities that promote life-long positive mental health. Our Tier 1 wellbeing activities, programs and practices support the development of all students’ social, emotional, and behavioural skills. This includes learning to problem-solve, manage everyday stress, build self-esteem and confidence, develop a positive sense of self, form healthy relationships, show respect for others, develop independence and develop a sense of autonomy. By fostering respectful interactions and providing opportunities to problem-solve and reflect, we empower students to make positive choices and thrive both at school and in life.

We use the Respectful Relationships program at Montpellier, which teaches students about positive relationships, respect for others, and how to navigate social and emotional challenges. We implement a range of other proactive practices to support emotional, social, and mental health development, including the use of the Zones of Regulation to help students understand and manage their emotions. Our approach is guided by data-informed strategies, including regular check-ins and student voice tools like PIVOT and the Attitudes to School Survey (AtoSS), to track progress and tailor support. We pride ourselves on catering to the varied interests and strengths of our students through a broad and inclusive curriculum. Alongside a strong sports program, we offer a vibrant performing arts program, giving students the chance to express themselves creatively and build confidence. Students also thrive through engaging experiences such as camps and excursions, STEM and art fairs, and opportunities to shine in our Talent Quest and Busker’s Day. We celebrate and promote community spirit and diversity through events like R U OK Day, Harmony Day, Crazy Hair Day, Book Week, and 100 Days of School. These are complemented by whole-school community activities including the Dance Extravaganza, school concert, and family picnics, creating a rich, inclusive environment where every child feels connected, supported, and inspired to thrive.

Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHIPS)

We continue to be part of the Mental Health in Primary Schools program (MHiPS). Our Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader has completed the MHiPS training, which focuses on whole school positive mental health promotion. Her role is to build the capability of the whole school with regard to mental health and wellbeing (identification, promotion and prevention).

Student Wellbeing Support at Montpellier

Inclusion & Wellbeing Consultant

Our Inclusion and Wellbeing Consultant, provides monitoring and targeted intervention for students identified as requiring additional mental health and wellbeing support at school. Our Inclusion & Wellbeing Consultant holds a Master of Education (Special Education & Mental Health) and is a trained facilitator of The Peaceful Kids Program. She has also completed BE YOU National Mental Health in Education Initiative training and the Butterfly Foundation’s Body Bright training. Wellbeing support involves the use of Positive Education, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and Mindfulness.

Wellbeing support may include:

• Responsive support to children in need.
• Wellbeing ‘Check-ins’ (either in class or 1:1 in the wellbeing office).
• Monitoring of student with wellbeing concerns (checking in with the student’s classroom teacher and parents).
• 1:1 or small group wellbeing support or social and emotional learning sessions.
• Supporting families to access external mental health support services when required.

Wellbeing Support Sessions generally focus on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).

This includes:

Self-Awareness: recognising and understanding feelings, body signals and strengths.

Self-Management: Regulating and expressing emotions appropriately. Using strategies for positive wellbeing. Practicing mindfulness.

Social Awareness: Understanding what others are feeling, being able to take their perspective and appreciating and interacting positively with diverse groups.

Relationship Skills: Establishing and maintaining healthy relationships, constructively resolving interpersonal conflict and seeking help when needed.

Responsible Decision Making: Being aware of the consequences for ourselves and others when we make decisions.

The referral process for a child to see our Wellbeing & Inclusion Consultant is through the classroom teacher under consultation from Karri Simpson (Assistant Principal) and Di Stainsby (Principal). Please note, support may be short term or ongoing depending on identified needs. Frequency of sessions and days/times may vary. A triage system is used to manage her caseload, prioritising most urgent concerns first.

Peaceful Kids Program

We offer the Peaceful Kids program to selected students. ‘Peaceful Kids’ is a Mindfulness and Positive Psychology based program to lessen anxiety and stress and increase resilience in children. The program runs over 8 weeks and gives children the skills, practice and support to utilise coping strategies that lessen the symptoms of anxiety and stress and to build resilience.

Outcomes of the Peaceful Kids program:

• Lessen symptoms of worry and stress in children
• Teaches children to self-calm
• Empowers children to manage their own anxious feelings
• Develops emotional intelligence skills
• Teaches children life-long skills to manage stress and prevent stress build up
• Supports children so they know that they are not alone with suffering from anxious feelings

Please Note:

Peaceful Kids is not a counselling or therapeutic program, rather an educational program. Entry to the Peaceful Kids Program is by invitation only based on identified need.

Wellbeing Room

Our Wellbeing Room is open during lunchtime on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. It provides a calm, quiet space for students who need to reset and recharge during their lunch break. It is designed to support children who may experience sensory or social overwhelm, emotional dysregulation, or who simply need a break from the busy playground environment.

The Wellbeing Room also fosters positive social interactions, particularly for students who may feel uncertain about how to connect with peers. Wellbeing staff are on hand to guide and model appropriate social skills, facilitate passive play, and gently encourage the development of positive relationships and social interactions. It is a safe and welcoming space where students can check in, talk with a trusted adult, and receive the support they need to feel regulated, calm and connected. The Wellbeing room is also used during school assemblies to support children who find the noise of a whole school assembly overwhelming.