Public schools are getting back to what they have missed - fun gatherings with an important purpose.
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After COVID-19 dampened the opportunity of being able to run on-site school events with entire cohorts, Rockdale Public School is again thriving with ideas on how to re-launch non-academic initiatives that have just as much merit - arguably if not more, as classroom grades.
On Friday, September 23, the school launched its 'well-being day' - giving pupils a chance to re-connect with each other in a meaningful way.
They watched a performance on anti-bullying, did hands-on craft activities, enjoyed a picnic, dance party, and invited parents for an information session.
The day was originally planned for Thursday, but the last minute public holiday pushed celebrations back by 24 hours.
This launch was a starting point for regular 'well-being Fridays', where multi-age groups from Kindergarten to Year 6 mingle with the senior leaders of the school. Alongside a teacher, the groups learn about anti-bullying, positive behaviour for learning, personal development and health, mindfulness and team building.
Jay Furniss, who is charge of sport and well-being at the primary school, said staff and pupils had been working hard at the project.
"Well-being in students and families is becoming ever so important. We want to equip students and parents with strategies on how to cope with things like stress and anxiety. Our aim is to make Rockdale Public School a welcoming environment and provide students with a sense of belonging and engage with the community and work together to provide students with the best possible education."
World-leading child health researchers from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute have been tasked with looking at the mental health and well-being of NSW primary school students and helping to create innovative social and emotional support measures.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet says the research is vital in finding the best ways of providing support in schools.
"The unprecedented challenges of the past few years have certainly been tough and we've heard from teachers and parents right across our state how they've noticed an impact on student capacity to focus, social interactions and general happiness," he said.
"We're already reforming curriculums to give students the best educational start in life and well-being is another important component to help set them up for success."
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said when it comes to student well-being, early identification and prevention is key.
"We need to think holistically, whether that's introducing student support officers into every primary school or helping schools make better choices about the wellbeing programs they offer to their students - there are endless possibilities," she said.
The partnership will complement the NSW Government's successful School Wellbeing Nurses Program and will be completed by February 2023.
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