Junior School

Feeling better, learning better.

Student wellbeing underpins every aspect of a student’s schooling, including their learning, engagement and social relationships. At Lauriston, we maintain a strong focus on wellbeing as research indicates that a strong sense of wellbeing enhances a student’s intrinsic motivation, decreases disciplinary problems, increases academic achievement and improves school satisfaction.

From the time a student commences in the Junior School, they participate in a formal Wellbeing Program which is underpinned by eight key elements: Self-Awareness, Heathy Holistic Habits, Emotional Awareness, Positive Direction, Positive Relationships, Role Modelling, Looking Outward and Mindsets.

In the classroom, teachers will educate the girls on these topics and promote group discussion. One recent example is how our girls have learned about the importance of developing positive mindsets. Mindsets are beliefs about our qualities such as talent and intelligence and while some people believe that these traits are fixed, at Lauriston we know that qualities can be developed through effort and dedication. Through a focus on the growth mindset, the girls learn to develop perseverance and understand the benefit of making mistakes.

Classroom teachers also incorporate resilience into their Wellbeing Program, helping students learn how to effectively cope with adversity or ‘bounce back’ from difficulties. Lauriston aims to build a ‘layer of strength‘ in all the skills we teach so our students have the tools at hand when they need to cope with difficulties now and into their adolescence. Resilience skills, when nurtured within a supportive and emotionally responsive environment, help students thrive into the future and our teachers assist the girls in developing healthy thinking habits that help them manage their emotions,

such as positive self-talk, developing a sense of optimism, and gratitude. Mindfulness is also incorporated into our curriculum as research indicates that students with higher mindfulness have greater resilience.

Our Junior School Wellbeing Program is adaptable and shifts depending upon the needs of the students. With students spending so much time in 2020 and 2021 in lockdown, we wanted to ensure that additional focus was placed on the development of social skills as we all reconnected with each other in 2022 and had to ‘relearn’ how to cohabitate and collaborate with others.

For years 5 and 6 we introduced Social Stencil, an evidence-based program which assists students in developing social skills that will be relevant throughout their lives. Our students explored concepts and strategies for developing and maintaining positive relationships, understanding friendships and managing conflict with peers. The program facilitated student-led discussions, experimental learning opportunities, and art-based education (Drama and Theatre) which were engaging, meaningful and helped create a safe space for students to try new skills.

In addition to the formal curriculum, our classroom teachers in the Junior School provide wonderful pastoral care to the girls, supporting the girls through the challenges they are experiencing. I am proud that our Junior School motto of ‘Care, Share and Respect’ is enacted by our teachers and our students every day, ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment.

Chris Toms Vice Principal, Head of Junior School