All of our staff are actively engaged in the Berry Street Education Model, fully supporting its philosophy and implementing its strategies daily. Understanding how children play and behave, as well as knowing how to support their academic and emotional learning, is crucial to their success.
The Wellbeing Team, based in the Wellbeing Hub, continue to support our students, parents and staff. The Wellbeing Team is made up of a Primary Welfare Officer, Primary Welfare Support Officer, School Chaplain, Assistant Principal and our gorgeous Groodle – Marley.
Student Support Groups have begun and will continue throughout the year. Ongoing Care Teams Meetings occur regularly for selected students.
Our Hub has quiet working spaces for students, spaces for them to chat and receive support and supplies of food and uniforms if they are in need. It is a friendly, engaging environment where students feel comfortable, heard and supported. We work with students to help build their confidence, self-regulation and self-esteem. Our team also provides recess and lunchtime programs for students.
The Kangaroom which provides a range of tools to support students includes a trampoline! In this sensory space, students are explicitly taught strategies to help regulate their emotions and to deescalate during challenging times. Allied Health professionals can also utilise this space.
The Wellbeing Team have secured support from the Smith Family to run a transition program for the Year 6s. Passport to Success is a 6 week program designed to give students the best chance to successfully move to high school. Our students will greatly benefit from this program and from the Smith Family support.
Our Wellbeing Team works with a range of initiatives to support our students – School’s Dental Program, Visiting Primary School Nursing program, Glasses for Kids, Food Bank to provide food for Brekky Club and students and families in need. We also work closely with outside agencies to coordinate services for our students.
The Wellbeing Team coordinates a range of lunchtime engagement programs. The Wellbeing Room is open each lunchtime. Students can draw, play, build – there are a wide range of activities to choose from. We also run Lunchtime Clubs such as Drawing Club, Crocheting Club, Drumming Club and Toy Club for interested students.
We love our special member of our Wellbeing Team – Marley, a Groodle puppy. Marley is our Ballam Park Wellbeing dog and has ready had a positive impact as she has got to know many of our students and staff. Marley is a gorgeous addition to our school community
