At Kulap Primary school, we have embraced the High Impact Wellbeing Strategies (HIWS) developed by the Department of Education Victoria, to support a positive, inclusive and safe learning environment for all students. These seven evidence-based strategies emphasise building strong teacher–student relationships, nurturing positive peer interactions, setting clear classroom expectations, supporting inclusion and belonging, fostering student self-efficacy, engaging students in meaningful learning, and promoting coping skills and referral pathways for more support when needed.
In practice at our school this means:
- Our classroom teams begin each year with “getting-to-know-you” activities and regular check-ins so that staff know each student as a whole person and can build respectful, caring connections.
- We structure learning opportunities and collaborative tasks to help students form friendships, work together and support each other, reinforcing positive peer relationships.
- Clear, consistent and co-constructed classroom expectations underpin our routines and help students feel safe, supported and able to focus on learning.
- We celebrate diversity in all its forms, ensure every child feels valued and has a sense of belonging, and ensure adjustments and supports are in place so that all students can thrive.
- Teachers hold high expectations for every student, provide regular feedback and opportunities for success, helping students to believe in their capabilities and build confidence.
- Our activities are designed to be relevant, engaging and responsive to students’ interests, encouraging attendance, participation and enthusiasm for learning.
- We explicitly teach strategies for self-regulation, emotional awareness, seeking help and using coping tools; our wellbeing team is available when students need additional support and we liaise with specialist services when required.
By weaving these strategies into daily classroom and whole-school practices, we are committed to reducing barriers, enhancing engagement and wellbeing, and enabling every student to flourish both academically and personally.