WHAT IS WELLBEING?

Our Lady Star of the Sea is a learning community that promotes student wellbeing, safety and positive relationships so that students can reach their full potential. “Wellbeing is both practical and perception: action and awareness. It is a state of being well in body, mind and spirit. Drawing on the wellsprings of our values, sense of purpose and meaning, wellbeing enlivens what matters in our lives.” (Horizons of Hope,CEM 2017)  Wellbeing is integral to learning excellence and ultimately overall health and life success.  This holistic view recognises that the sacredness, dignity and giftedness of each person is grounded in the belief that each person is made in the image and likeness of God. (Genesis 1:27)

HOW IS WELLBEING ENACTED AT OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA?

Within our community at Our Lady Star of the Sea, wellbeing incorporates all aspects of life and is illuminated by our catholic faith and the words of Jesus who said, “I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)  

Wellbeing is enacted through our school’s vision and mission and fostered through our explicit Social and Emotional Learning and teaching practices.  Wellbeing is brought to life through respectful relationships, a safe, and inclusive learning environment , where the common good is honoured and authentic partnerships with families, parish and the broader community are nurtured.  

EXPLICIT SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING (SEL) LESSONS 

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) supports students to develop fundamental skills necessary for wellbeing and life effectiveness. SEL enables students to recognise and manage emotions, demonstrate care and concern for others, establish positive relationships, make responsible decisions and handle challenging situations effectively. The Personal and Social Capability within the Victorian Curriculum encompasses Social and Emotional Learning.  The Personal and Social Capability supports students in becoming creative and confident individuals with a sense of self-worth, self-awareness and personal identity that enables them to manage their emotional, mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing, with a sense of hope and optimism about their lives and the future. On a social level, it helps students to form and maintain healthy relationships and prepares them for their potential life roles as family, community and workforce members.

Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships Curriculum

As a Lead School for the Victorian Government, Respectful Relationships, Our Lady Star of the Sea School uses the Respectful Relationships learning materials developed for students Foundation to Year 6 to develop social, emotional and positive relationship skills. Efforts to promote social and emotional skills and positive gender norms in children and young people has been shown to improve health related outcomes and subjective wellbeing. It also reduces antisocial behaviours including engagement in gender-related violence. The learning materials help to develop students’ Emotional Literacy, Personal Strengths, Positive Coping, Problem Solving, Stress Management, Help Seeking, Gender and Identity and Positive Gender Relationships.

Student Wellbeing Handbook

The Our Lady Star of the Sea Handbook is available and further explores how Wellbeing is enacted at our school.  Click here to download the Student Wellbeing Handbook.

Paul Anderson

Student Wellbeing Leader