At Balwyn High School, we are as concerned with the social and emotional growth of our students as we are with their academic growth. We work as a school community to equip our young people with the tools, strategies and support to navigate every aspect of their lives as they grow into adulthood.

Our teachers bring everyday wellbeing strategies into every class with carefully constructed learning teams, brain breaks and a focus on psychological safety and inclusion. Two Student Learning and Wellbeing Managers (SLWMs) are assigned to each year level.

Whole school wellbeing events celebrate a range of special days that embrace the ethos underpinning our pillars of learning; Learning to Live Together, Learning to Think, Know and Understand, Learning to Do and Learning to Be and support the creation of an inclusive community as well as the holistic development of our student body. These events include International Women’s Day, Harmony Week, Neurodiversity Week, Transgender Day of Visibility, Wear Teal Against Sexual Violence, IDAHOBIT, Reconciliation Week, Empathy Day, World Refugee Day, Bullying No Way Week, Wear it Purple Day, RU OK Day, World Inclusion Day, Transgender Awareness Week, International Day of People with a Disability and Human Rights Week.

The Wellbeing Team

The multi-disciplinary team is comprised of , a mental health practitioner, chaplain, psychologist, counsellors, social worker, occupational therapist and a wellbeing dog. Services range from one-on-one support through to whole school programs. Student Learning and Wellbeing Managers and teachers are a vital source of support in the daily lives of students and their families and collaborate closely with the Wellbeing Team. The team meets wellbeing needs as they arise and also run many proactive programs and events. The Team operates out of the Raelene Curwood Wellbeing Centre which is located at the Moody Street entrance to the school.

Inclusivity and Diversity

Our Inclusive Education approach ensures that students of all backgrounds, abilities, identities, and learning needs are welcomed and valued as part of our learning community. Our students feel safe and respected and have the opportunity to achieve success in their learning. We are proud that our school community is one of vast cultural diversity, and we celebrate this through a range of special event days throughout the year.

This approach ensures that the school, students and parent/carers work in collaboration to support students to achieve learning growth and reach their potential.

Wellbeing In Middle School

Year 7 My New Learning Community

Wellbeing support commences during transition in Term 4, prior to students entering Year 7. Upon commencement, Year 7 students receive mentorship and guidance from Year 10 STEP leaders throughout the year. This helps new students feel connected and supported as they navigate their new environment, fostering a sense of belonging and community.. Year 7 camp is held early in Term 1 and is critical in forming connections and developing a sense of community. In addition, to the tutorial program, conducted by Health and Physical Education teachers, students engage in wellbeing programs each term at the cohort’s point of need.

Year 8 Making a Difference

Year 8 is all about making a positive impact. The tutorial program is facilitated by Humanities teachers and supports the social and emotional development required for young people to learn the value of giving back to the community. They also engage in termly wellbeing events. At the end of the year, students participate in “Making A Difference Day,” where they create a fun and engaging experience for local kindergarten students who visit the high school. This initiative not only allows Year 8 students to give back to their community but also helps them develop leadership and organisational skills, reinforcing the importance of empathy and service.

Year 9 My Middle School Experience

The Year 9 tutorial program is facilitated by Science teachers and supports the development of students as leaders of Middle School. Pat Cronin Foundation incursions are an example of cohort wide wellbeing programs offered, to promote awareness of the impacts of violence and ultimately to prevent it. Students complete the Morrisby survey which guides them toward possible career paths and informs subject selection for Year 10’s electivised program. The year culminates with students individually reflecting on and celebrating their Middle School journey with their ‘My Middle School Experience’ presentations to an audience of family, peers and teachers.

Wellbeing In Senior School

Year 10 Empowering My Future

In Year 10, students focus on their future pathways, building on what they learned from the Morrisby program in Year 9. They undertake work experience to gain practical insights into various careers and start preparing for their VCE exams by taking subject-specific tests. These programs are supported by wellbeing events, developed in-house to align with student needs, as identified by the students themselves. These experiences empower students to make informed decisions about their future, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed for success in their senior years and beyond.

Year 11 Enhancing Our Potential

Year 11 is dedicated to enhancing students’ potential both academically and personally. Students continue to explore career options and participate in termly wellbeing incursions that are tailored to their cohort’s specific needs, including but not limited to managing stress and anxiety associated with assessments and navigating career planning. These programs provide valuable resources and support, helping students to maximize their potential and prepare for the challenges of their final school years.

Year 12 Leading with Pride

Year 12 students are celebrated as the leaders of the school, serving as role models for their peers. Underpinning this is wellbeing support in the form of whole cohort events every term as well individual support as needed. Typical wellbeing incursions at Year 12 include Alumni Panels, Respectful Relationships, and Transitions and Change. These wellbeing programs support their final year of high school education and prepare students for life after high school, whether they choose to pursue university or enter the workforce.