Wellbeing
Mental Health and Wellbeing
My name is Rachel Rhodes. Many of you already know me, as I have been part of Balwyn Primary School for many years. This year, I am stepping into a new role at BPS: the Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader (MHWL).
The MHWL role is a government-funded initiative that emerged from the Royal Commission into Mental Health and further in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally a pilot program, it has been so successful that it will be rolled out across the state by 2026.
In this role, I will receive specialised training, resources, and support to strengthen the mental health and wellbeing of the entire Balwyn Primary School community.
School Values
At Balwyn Primary School, our values are at the heart of everything we do. They guide the way we learn, work and interact with one another, helping to create a positive, inclusive, and supportive school community where every student can thrive.
Belonging reminds us that everyone deserves to feel welcomed, valued and connected. We celebrate diversity and work together to ensure every member of our community feels they have a place where they are accepted and supported.
Respect encourages us to treat ourselves, others, and our environment, with care and consideration. We value different perspectives, listen to one another, and foster positive relationships built on kindness and understanding.
Responsibility empowers us to take ownership of our actions, learning and choices. We encourage students to be active learners, contribute positively to their community, and make decisions that support their success and wellbeing.
Integrity inspires us to be honest, trustworthy and accountable. We strive to do what is right, even when no one is watching, and to act with fairness and courage in all situations.
Empathy helps us understand and care about the feelings and experiences of others. By showing compassion and kindness, we build strong relationships and create a culture where everyone feels supported and respected.
Together, these values shape the culture of our school and provide a strong foundation for learning and wellbeing. They help us develop confident, caring, and responsible young people, who are prepared to make a positive contribution to their community and the wider world.
School-Wide Positive Behaviour Supports (SWPBS)
At Balwyn Primary School, we are committed to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive. To support this, we implement School-Wide Positive Behaviour Supports (SWPBS); an evidence-based framework that promotes positive behaviour, wellbeing and engagement across the entire school.
SWPBS focuses on explicitly teaching, modelling and reinforcing the behaviours we want to see. Rather than assuming students know what is expected, we provide clear expectations and consistent support to help them succeed in all areas of school life.
Our approach is guided by our school values of Belonging, Respect, Responsibility, Integrity and Empathy. These values are taught, practised and celebrated in classrooms, specialist programs and playgrounds, helping students develop the skills they need to be successful learners and positive members of our community.
By using consistent expectations, positive reinforcement and strong relationships, SWPBS helps create a predictable and supportive environment where students feel safe, connected and ready to learn. Through this approach, we aim to foster student wellbeing, strengthen engagement and support positive outcomes for all learners.
How Parents Can Support SWPBS at Home
Building strong connections between school and home helps create consistency and shared expectations for students. When families and staff work together, children feel supported, understood, and more confident in their learning and behaviour.
What can you do at home:
- Talk positively about school expectations, helping your child see the connection between school and home.
- Use the school’s behaviour continuum as a guide to reinforce the same values in different settings (home, sport, community).
- Support the school when decisions are made about minor, moderate and major behaviours.
- Use the same language as school (e.g. “Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible”) when talking about behaviour at home.
- Acknowledge positive behaviour with specific praise — for example, “I like how you packed your bag responsibly.”
- Model positive behaviour by showing kindness, patience, and problem-solving when things go wrong.
- Set clear expectations at home that match the school’s values — for example, using calm voices or taking turns.
- Create routines that help children feel organised and ready for school, such as packing bags the night before.
- Encourage reflection after incidents by asking, “What could you do differently next time?”
- Celebrate small successes together, reinforcing that effort and improvement matter.
- Stay connected with teachers to share what’s working at home and learn how to support school expectations.
Wellbeing Clubs
At Balwyn Primary School, we believe that learning, connection and wellbeing extend beyond the classroom.
Our lunchtime clubs provide students with opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, build friendships and strengthen their sense of belonging within the school community.
We offer a wide range of clubs throughout the week, including Dance Club, Morning Movers, Drawing Club, LEGO Club, Games Club and many more. These clubs cater for a variety of interests and provide students with safe, inclusive and engaging spaces where they can connect with peers who share similar passions.
Lunchtime clubs play an important role in supporting student wellbeing. They encourage positive social interactions, build confidence, foster creativity and provide opportunities for students to develop leadership and teamwork skills. For many students, these clubs become a highlight of their week and help strengthen their connection to school.
By providing a diverse range of activities, we aim to ensure every student has the opportunity to find a place where they feel valued, included and inspired.
Respectful Relationships
The Respectful Relationships is a government-mandated program that supports schools and early childhood settings to promote and model respect, positive attitudes and behaviours. It teaches our children how to build healthy relationships, resilience and confidence.
Student Leadership
At Balwyn Primary School, we are proud to provide our Year 6 students with a wide range of leadership opportunities that empower them to contribute positively to our school community. Students can take on leadership roles as School Captains, Wellbeing Leaders, Junior School Council (JSC) Representatives, Art Leaders, ICT Leaders, Library Leaders, LOTE Leaders and Music Leaders.
Our student leaders are selected to represent their peers and play an important role in shaping school life. Throughout the year, they lead by example, promote our school values of Belonging, Respect, Responsibility, Integrity and Empathy, support younger students, assist with school events and assemblies, and work collaboratively with staff and students to implement positive change within our school.
These leadership opportunities help students develop confidence, responsibility, teamwork and communication skills while making a meaningful contribution to the Balwyn Primary School community.
School Houses
COMING SOON!!!!!!
Balwyn Primary School is excited to be introducing a House System. The House System will provide opportunities for students across all year levels to connect, collaborate and celebrate success together, helping to strengthen our sense of community and belonging.
Students will be placed into Houses and participate in a range of activities, events and challenges throughout the year. The House System will encourage teamwork, leadership, participation and school pride, while reinforcing our school values of Belonging, Respect, Responsibility, Integrity and Empathy.
One of the most exciting aspects of this initiative is that student voice will play a key role in shaping the House System. Students will have opportunities to provide input into elements such as House names, colours, mascots and activities, helping to create a system that reflects the interests and identity of our school community.
We look forward to sharing more information as we continue to develop this exciting new initiative at Balwyn Primary School.
