Wellbeing

Social & Emotional learning

In recent years, we have implemented the School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) framework, which aims to increase respectful and positive behaviour, strengthen social and emotional wellbeing, build positive relationships across the school and create a safe, orderly and supportive school environment. At the start of every school year, and briefly at the start of each Term, every year level runs a comprehensive “Start Up” program to explicitly teach and embed expectations in the classroom and around the school. Classes collaborate to construct a behaviour expectations matrix, which operates as a class agreement and is continually referred to throughout the year. Classes identify goals from the matrix and work together to demonstrate positive behaviours. Our recognition system allows classes to celebrate their success with the reward of a special community building activity, such as a class game. Behaviour expectations are continually reinforced and positive behaviour is celebrated.

In addition, students participate in weekly Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons. We have a comprehensive sequence of learning across all year levels, which incorporates lessons from the following high quality programs: “Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships”, The Butterfly Foundation’s "Body Bright” program, “Talking the Talk: Healthy Sexuality Education” and the Cybersafety Project’s sequence of lessons. Classes also use tools such as the Zones of Regulation and incorporate mindfulness practices to help students learn positive coping and regulation strategies.

Student Leadership

At Brunswick South West Primary School (BSWPS), our Student Representative Council (SRC) plays an active and meaningful role in strengthening student voice, leadership and community connection across all year levels.

In Years 1–4, the SRC provides students with opportunities to contribute to school life in a way that is engaging and age-appropriate. Each class group (1/2s and 3/4s) works together to plan and run one initiative per term, usually with an internal school focus. These may include themed dress-up days or fundraising events linked to special occasions, such as Ride to School Day, with a focus on supporting important causes. Students in these year levels act as a sub-branch of the senior school SRC, with ideas and messages communicated to and from classes through the Year 5/6 student leaders.

In Years 5–6, the SRC takes on a more formal leadership role within the school. Each class elects two to three representatives, forming a team of student leaders who work collaboratively across a range of focus areas such as Gardening, Science and other student-led initiatives. These groups allow students to pursue their interests while making a positive contribution to the school community.

Our Year 5/6 SRC students also take on key leadership responsibilities, including hosting school assemblies with the support of staff, and mentoring younger students. They support Year 1/2 classes in running their own SRC elections, helping to build leadership capacity across the school.

In addition, the SRC leads internal fundraising efforts to support school-based projects. This may include initiatives such as running a badge-making club, where funds raised are reinvested into future student-led projects that benefit the whole school.

Through these opportunities, the SRC at BSWPS empowers students to develop confidence, responsibility and a strong sense of belonging, while making a genuine impact on their school community.

Cultural Responsiveness

At Brunswick South West Primary School we actively engage in the work of Reconciliation and strive to be culturally responsive. This involves welcoming, respecting and supporting students and their communities. As we engage in this ongoing work, we welcome feedback and input from the community.

We endeavour to connect with all families to ensure that students with specific cultural needs are accommodated and feel a sense of belonging at our school. We commit to challenging and responding to all and any racial, religious and cultural discrimination, in line with our inclusion policies.

We participate in the Marrung Lead program, which nominates a staff member as a key contact for Koorie Education matters. We have developed a Reconciliation Action Plan, which provides a framework for embedding First Nations perspectives in our curriculum and fostering a culturally safe environment. We are committed to the ongoing work of Reconciliation and take advice from our Koorie Education Support Officer (KESO) on ongoing professional development for all staff.

In our classrooms, students participate in a daily Acknowledgement of Country, which they participate in creating with their class at the start of each year. We recognise, learn about and celebrate significant dates including Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week.

Across the curriculum, students have the opportunity to engage with a range of cultural perspectives, knowledge and approaches to learning.

Our staff ensure that students have access to texts and learning materials developed by a range of authors, reflecting our school and our community’s cultural diversity.