Prioritising wellbeing for effective education By Naomii Seah, Industry Reporter
As spaces where children spend most of their day, schools have an active role in promoting wellbeing, not only for children and staff, but for the whole community. After all, a happy and healthy student is a happy and healthy member of the family. Happy and healthy families are the building blocks of happy and healthy neighbourhoods and community groups. But protecting and nurturing wellbeing is not only an important part of community health, it’s also essential to promote teaching and learning. According to the Department of Education, there is evidence of “strong linkages between student safety, wellbeing and learning outcomes”. With this in mind, educators might look to the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework as the first port-of-call. Its five elements, as outlined by the Department of Education, are leadership, inclusion, student voice, partnerships, and support.
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Images courtesy of Langley Group Institute
Leadership acknowledges the powerful part that school leaders play in creating a positive school environment where others are respected and valued. Effective practices include school leaders consulting with the community and students to create shared visions and values. Leadership is also responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the community, and thus should guide communities toward a shared vision for the school. Inclusion means that all members of the school community are given the
opportunity to participate in building a welcoming school culture that enables positive and diverse relationships. Here, effective practices include a robust system for recognising staff, student and community contribution – this enables community connectedness. Student voice means having students be active participants in shaping their learning and social environments. This may look like multiple opportunities for students to participate in decision making, and explicitly teaching social
TEACHER’S DESK
and emotional skills. Practical examples of teaching social and emotional skills may include short meditation or journaling sessions for students. This encourages students to name and understand emotions, thereby supporting healthy communication and relationships. Short mindfulness exercises like guided meditations and journaling have also been shown to help students with their self-management skills, and may even help reduce bullying.
Term 1, 2024 | school-news.com.au