Wellbeing

At our school, student wellbeing and learning go hand in hand. We want every student to feel safe, included and ready to learn. Whether your child needs help with their mental, emotional, social or physical wellbeing, we are here to help them thrive at school and in daily life.

How we support student wellbeing

Supporting each student’s mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing is part of everyday school life.

We do this through:

• teachers who help students feel welcome and included
• access to school counsellors, school psychologists and specialist staff
• programs that support health, social skills, attendance and positive behaviour
• help for students who are new or changing year levels
• clear expectations for behaviour and respectful relationships
• staff who get to know each child and work closely with families
• developing health care plans for students
• open communication about wellbeing and support.

Visit Our principal and staff to learn about our wellbeing and specialist support staff.

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL)

At Kirkton Public School, student wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. Our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) framework provides a consistent, evidence-based approach that supports every child to feel safe, valued, and ready to learn.

PBL brings together our whole-school community to build a positive learning culture where students understand expectations, make responsible choices, and develop strong social and emotional skills. The framework promotes respectful relationships, clear routines, and predictable environments so that teachers can focus on quality instruction and students can focus on learning.

Our school values – Respect, Responsibility and Active Learning – guide behaviour expectations across all settings. These values are explicitly taught through our weekly “Kirkton Knows” lessons, which include strategies from Grow Your Mind and the Zones of Regulation program. Students learn how to recognise emotions, manage their responses, and engage positively with peers and staff.

Positive reinforcement plays an important role in supporting wellbeing at KPS. Class Dojo points, merit awards, postcards, and “Penny’s” tokens acknowledge students who consistently demonstrate our values. Regular PBL assemblies and celebration days provide opportunities to recognise effort, perseverance, and personal growth.

Teachers and staff use restorative practices to build connection and repair relationships, ensuring that behaviour management remains fair, consistent, and focused on learning. Additional supports, including Tier 2 and Tier 3 targeted interventions, are available for students who need extra guidance or individualised strategies.

Our approach to wellbeing also includes proactive supervision, daily meet-and-greets, and ongoing communication with families. Together, we create a school environment where every student is known, supported, and encouraged to achieve their personal best.

Wellbeing Programs at Kirkton Public School

At Kirkton Public School, we believe wellbeing and learning go hand in hand. Our wellbeing programs are designed to help every student understand themselves, build positive relationships, and develop the social–emotional skills they need to thrive. These programs work alongside our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) framework to create a safe, inclusive and supportive school culture.

Grow Your Mind

The Grow Your Mind program helps students understand how their brain works and how they can strengthen their mental fitness. Lessons focus on resilience, optimism and kindness, teaching students practical ways to manage stress, build gratitude, and look after their mental health. By embedding positive psychology into daily routines, students learn to approach challenges with curiosity and confidence.

Zones of Regulation

The Zones of Regulation program supports students in recognising and managing their emotions. Feelings and energy levels are grouped into four coloured zones—Blue, Green, Yellow and Red—to help students describe how they feel and choose appropriate strategies to return to a calm, focused state. Teachers use this shared language across classrooms, helping students develop emotional awareness, self-control, and empathy for others. Students learn that all zones are normal, and the goal is to regulate, not suppress, emotions.

Restorative Practices

Restorative practices form an important part of our wellbeing approach at Kirkton PS. When conflicts or challenges arise, staff use restorative conversations to help students reflect, repair harm, and rebuild relationships. This approach encourages accountability and empathy, supporting students to take ownership of their actions and make positive choices. Restorative practices strengthen the sense of trust and belonging that underpins our school community.

Targeted Wellbeing Support

For students who need additional support, the school provides Tier 2 and Tier 3 targeted interventions, including check-in and check-out routines, social-skills programs, and individualised wellbeing plans. Staff work collaboratively with families, support staff and external agencies to ensure every child’s needs are understood and met.

Together, these wellbeing programs promote emotional literacy, resilience, and a deep sense of belonging—ensuring that every student at Kirkton Public School feels known, supported, and ready to learn.

Need support for your child's wellbeing?

Get in touch to talk about the right support for your child.

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