Wellbeing

At Somerville Primary School, we value the importance of educating the whole child. Student, staff and community wellbeing are high priorities because we understand the impact this can have on student outcomes. We begin our school year with a wellbeing week to set our students up for success where we focus on establishing routines, teamwork, social skills and peer relationships. This is complimented through daily circle time sessions and wellbeing lessons using the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships resources. We’re proud of the positive endorsement our students give to our school climate, demonstrating the sense of connectedness to our school community. We have a dedicated Wellbeing and Inclusion Team, including a Chaplain (non-religious service) and psychologist who are able to support students with 1:1 or small group sessions.

Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships Program (RRRR)

At Somerville Primary School, we use the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships (RRRR) program as a foundation for our wellbeing sessions. These learning materials have been designed to develop students’ social and emotional skills and promote positive relationship skills. We know that using these resources will build the social and emotional skills and create positive gender norms in children which in turn will improve health outcomes and wellbeing. The program also aims to reduce antisocial behaviours including engagement in gender-related violence. 

The materials cover eight topics of Social and Emotional Learning across all year levels. The eight topics include Emotional Literacy, Personal Strengths, Positive Coping, Problem Solving, Stress Management, Help Seeking, Gender and Identity and Positive Gender Relationships. The lessons are engaging and interactive, allowing students opportunities to practise new skills and build on peer relationships.

The materials cover eight topics of Social and Emotional Learning across all year levels. The eight topics include Emotional Literacy, Personal Strengths, Positive Coping, Problem Solving, Stress Management, Help Seeking, Gender and Identity and Positive Gender Relationships. The lessons are engaging and interactive, allowing students opportunities to practice new skills and build on peer relationships. 

Restorative Practices 

At Somerville Primary School, we use restorative practices that encourage behaviours that are supportive and respectful. We want to develop students’ ability to take responsibility for their own actions, and to repair any harm that their actions may have caused. This approach focuses on building, maintaining and restoring positive relationships. The aim of restorative practice is to improve school culture, student self awareness and management, and reduce the frequency of behaviour incidents.

Wellbeing Programs 

At Somerville Primary School, we place a strong emphasis on nurturing the wellbeing of every student. Through a range of programs and dedicated support, we create a supportive environment where emotional, social, and academic growth flourishes. Our approach ensures that each child feels valued, safe, and equipped with the skills to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and positivity. 

School Camps

School camp offers students a wonderful chance to foster peer relationships, step outside their comfort zones, and explore the world around them. We are thrilled to offer two-night camps to a variety of locations in Victoria for our Year 3 to Year 6 students.

School Chaplain

Our school believes in the importance of education and supporting the development of the whole child. We are lucky to have our school chaplain, Katharine, who works three days a fortnight to support our students in a one on one capacity. The school chaplaincy program is a non-religious service that engages with students individually to support their wellbeing at their point of need.

School Leaders

At Somerville Primary School, we are passionate about developing the leadership potential in all students. In Year 6, our students have the opportunity to take on a leadership role in the school including School Captain and Vice Captain roles or Ambassador roles.

Buddies

We believe in building peer relationships across our school. All students participate in a buddy program across the school with a peer from another year level. Buddies will catch up regularly, engaging in activities and opportunities to socialise and support one another.

Toast and Talk

Wednesday is Toast and Talk day at Somerville Primary School where students can come to the Wellbeing Hub to have a piece of freshly cooked toast to fill their bellies before a day of learning! This is made possible from the generosity of Baker’s Delight Somerville who have been supporting this program for over 9 years!

Breakfast Cart

We know that starting the day right with a healthy breakfast is important for all students. On Mondays, our breakfast card is ready at the front gate to ensure all students have access to fresh fruit, milk and cereal. Our breakfast cart items are kindly donated by Foodbank!