Student welfare

Participating in professional learning can be energising and inspiring, but introducing what you’ve learned into your own practice – and sustaining it over the long term – can be hard. Taking small, simple steps on a regular basis was a key feature of what endured for teachers in a recent Australian research study of music-based approaches to nurture wellbeing.

In The Research Files Episode 105, Jo Earp is joined by Dr Alexandra Hennessey from the University of Manchester to talk about a research study exploring how different schools in the UK have adopted the Well Schools framework. Their conversation focused on 2 aspects – the role of teacher wellbeing and the importance of a whole school approach.

For some students, the difference between walking through the school gate or staying home is as simple – and as heavy – as a clean uniform. Not-for-profit Orange Sky Australia is now partnering with schools to install free, on-campus washing machines and dryers, guided by a simple belief: access to laundry should never be a barrier to education.

In today’s article, Professor Jacqueline Ullman from Western Sydney University explores the importance of school-based connection for gender and sexuality diverse students, why teachers’ responses to homo/transphobic attitudes are paramount, and shares details of a new micro-credential she co-designed to support teachers seeking to create gender and sexuality diversity-inclusive school cultures.

Each year Mission Australia’s Youth Survey asks teenagers about their views and experiences – providing a snapshot of the challenges they face and hopes for the future. For the first time, respondents included younger students (14-year-olds) and new questions on their feelings about school. This infographic shares some of the findings.

In today’s Leadership Q&A, River Nile School Principal Charles Hertzog shares what makes his school community unique, how the context shapes his leadership priorities, and how he brings teachers, wellbeing staff, and external agencies into a shared vision.

The new ‘water classroom’ at All Saints’ College in Western Australia is designed to bring curriculum, culture and wellbeing together in one place. In today’s photo story, we learn more about the physical space, how it encourages students to engage with their natural environment, and the impact on their mental health and wellbeing. 

‘When educators understand how stress affects the brain and nervous system, they gain practical ways to support learning, behaviour and wellbeing – for students and themselves.’ From 13-15 March, the Holistic Life Foundation will host its Trauma-Informed Yoga and Mindfulness Certification in Melbourne. The 3-day professional learning experience is designed specifically for teachers, school leaders and system-level decision makers.

Age restrictions preventing under-16s in Australia from creating or keeping accounts on major social media platforms come into force today. The responsibility rests with platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube to take ‘reasonable steps’ to comply. We look at how teachers can help students and families navigate the change, what the legislation means for schools, and resources out there to support educators.

What strategies do you have to smooth the transition for children in their first year of formal schooling? Students feeling like they belong at school is a key factor, and new research has uncovered what makes young students feel like they belong at school.