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Student Wellbeing

At St Thomas Aquinas Primary School, the wellbeing of every child is at the heart of learning. We know that children learn best when they feel safe, supported, and valued. Research shows that strong social and emotional skills are linked to improved learning, positive behaviour, and resilience in life. For this reason, we make student wellbeing a priority across all aspects of school life.

Positive Behaviours for Learning

Our school follows a Positive Behaviours for Learning (PBL) framework, which sets clear and consistent expectations for how we learn and live together. At the heart of this approach are our three shared values: Respectful, Responsible, and Safe.

These values are taught, modelled, and celebrated in every part of school life — in the classroom, on the playground, and in the wider community. PBL helps students understand not only what these values look like in action, but also why they matter. Positive choices are recognised and celebrated, creating a culture where every child can succeed socially, emotionally, and academically.

To make PBL meaningful and engaging, our students helped design sea star mascots that represent each value. Sea stars, found in our local bay, remind us that even small actions can have a big impact on the world around us. Each time a child chooses to be Respectful, Responsible, or Safe, they contribute to a school culture where everyone can shine.

Social Emotional Learning

Each week, all students take part in a dedicated Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) lesson using the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships Curriculum. These lessons explicitly build skills such as empathy, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. Beyond weekly sessions, SEL is embedded across all subjects and daily routines, helping students practise these skills in real-life contexts.

Targeted, Personalised Support

We recognise that some students may need additional support with their wellbeing. Targeted small-group interventions, informed by frameworks such as Social Minds, provide opportunities for children to strengthen their social and emotional skills in a supportive environment.

In addition, students in Years 3–6 complete Pulse-Checks each term, giving teachers valuable insight into how students are feeling and what supports they may need. These regular check-ins help us respond proactively, ensuring that every child feels heard, supported, and ready to learn.