Student Wellbeing

Student Wellbeing

At St James, we strive to meet the spiritual, physical, intellectual, social and emotional needs of our students. We are committed to ensuring an environment where students feel safe and respected and experience a sense of belonging.

A whole school approach to promoting student wellbeing assists students to be confident, resilient, responsible and resourceful individuals, with the capacity to develop positive and caring relationships with each other and the adults in their lives.

In keeping with our Catholic Identity and The National Framework for Values Education in Australian Schools, we teach the values of honesty, justice, organisation, confidence, cooperation, respect, resilience and persistence.

Our approach to Student Wellbeing includes the following programs and strategies:

• Values Education
• Circle Time
• Bucket Fillers
• Student Leadership Program, including the Student Representative Council (SRC)
• Buddy System (Prep & Year 6, Year 1 & Year 5)
• Lunchtime Clubs and Passive Play
• Seasons Grief and Loss Program
• Prep Transition Program and Transition to Secondary School
• An on-site qualified psychologist for students needing support in social and emotional issues.

Restorative Practices

Behaviour management at St James is based on a restorative approach, which views inappropriate behaviour not as ‘rule breaking’ but instead, as harm to relationships. Restorative justice aims to help students recognise the impact of their behaviour on others, learn from their mistakes and resolve conflict. Within this process, students build empathy and understanding, which are essential life skills.

The following questions are used to assist students manage conflicts and work towards resolution:

• What happened?
• How did it happen?
• How did you act in this situation?
• Who do you think was affected?
• What do you need to do to make things right?
• What would you do differently next time?