Wellbeing at St Paul’s
At St Paul’s, we prioritise student wellbeing as the foundation for learning and growth. We explicitly teach social and emotional skills through evidence-based programs such as the URSTRONG Friendology Curriculum and Respectful Relationships. These programs equip students with the tools to build healthy friendships, manage conflict, develop resilience and communicate respectfully. Our whole-school approach ensures that emotional health, positive relationships and responsible decision-making are embedded in daily school life, helping every child feel safe, valued and supported.
. Student Voice and Leadership
We believe the voice of students is central to creating a positive school culture. Our Student Representative Council (SRC) provides opportunities for students across the school to contribute ideas, shape initiatives and promote inclusion. The SRC ensures that student perspectives are heard and valued and plays a vital role in building a school community where collaboration and respect thrive.
Year 6 Leadership Program
At St Paul’s, all Year 6 students take part in a Leadership Program that empowers them to contribute to the school community in meaningful ways. Every student belongs to a leadership team — Social Justice, Wellbeing or Learning, where they work on initiatives such as fundraising for charities, promoting positive behaviours, supporting student learning and encouraging healthy and active lifestyles. In addition, students have the opportunity to take on specific leadership roles such as School Captain, Sports Captain, Art Leader, Wellbeing Leader, Library Leader and DigiTech Leader. These roles provide further opportunities to grow as leaders, model our school values and make a lasting impact on our community.
Year 6 Friend-o-Leaders
Our Year 6 Wellbeing Team are trained as Friend-o-Leaders through the URSTRONG Friendology program. They support students on the playground by helping with 'friendship fires' (friendship problems) and encouraging kindness and respect. Friend-o-Leaders are positive role models who help others feel included while also building their own leadership skills.
Buddy Program
Strong connections are fostered through our Buddy Program, where Year 5 students support Prep students, and Year 6 students are paired with Year 1 students. This program builds cross-age friendships, helps younger students feel welcome and secure, and provides older students with opportunities to practise empathy, responsibility and leadership in everyday school life.
Teacher Buddies
Our Year 6 students are each paired with a staff member as part of the Teacher Buddy Program. This provides them with an extra adult to connect with, seek support from and share special moments. Throughout the year, buddies enjoy morning teas, write letters and come together for important events such as the Sacrament of Confirmation. The program helps students feel supported as they prepare for their transition to secondary school.
Support for Wellbeing
Our wellbeing approach is strengthened by the presence of a part-time school psychologist who works onsite with students. Alongside staff and families, the psychologist provides support and guidance, ensuring that students’ individual needs are met and that wellbeing remains a central part of the learning journey at St Paul’s. In addition, we have a dedicated Wellbeing Leader who works closely with our Respectful Relationships Wellbeing Team to drive initiatives, support students and ensure that social and emotional learning is embedded across the school. Together, this team collaborates with teachers, families and students to create a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where every child can thrive.
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