Wellbeing at Darnum Primary School

At Darnum Primary School, student wellbeing sits at the heart of everything we do. We believe that when children feel safe, connected, and supported, they are ready to learn and thrive. Our approach focuses on building strong relationships, teaching positive behaviours, and ensuring every student feels a strong sense of belonging within our school community.

 

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Our Wellbeing Team

Melanie Nicholls is our Wellbeing Leader, Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) trained practitioner, and Student Engagement Leader. Having been part of the Darnum Primary School staff for over 15 years, Melanie brings a deep understanding of our students, families, and local community. She is passionate about supporting the whole child and works closely with teachers to implement consistent routines and procedures that help all students feel safe and ready to learn at a whole-school, Tier 1 level. Melanie values strong partnerships with families and takes great pride in supporting the Darnum community in meaningful ways.

Sharon Webster is our Disability Inclusion Coordinator and plays an important role in supporting students who require additional assistance to access learning. She works closely with families to navigate assessment processes and secure appropriate funding, while developing individual support plans tailored to each child’s needs. Sharon also connects families with external services, helping to ensure that every child is given the best possible opportunity to succeed both at school and beyond.
 

Supporting Every Student

At Darnum Primary School, we take a structured and proactive approach to wellbeing that ensures all students receive the support they need. Our work begins with strong, consistent classroom practices that create a calm and predictable learning environment for all students. From there, additional support is provided for students who may need help developing social skills, managing emotions, or engaging more successfully at school. For some students, more individualised support is provided through tailored plans and targeted interventions, always in partnership with families and external providers where needed.
 

Wellbeing at Lunchtime

Lunchtime at Darnum Primary School provides valuable opportunities for students to connect, play, and feel included. A wide range of wellbeing groups are available, including dance club, mindful colouring, yoga, origami, gardening, games, football, basketball, and skipping. These groups are led by our dedicated Education Support staff and provide structured, inclusive options for all students. Children are able to choose the activity that best suits their interests, helping them feel engaged and connected during break times. In addition, extra staff members are on duty at recess and lunch to support students in navigating friendship challenges, resolving conflicts, and finding others to play with, ensuring that every child feels supported in the playground.
 

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Additional Support

We are pleased to have The Village Health working with our school community. Qualified professionals from The Village Health support students who require additional assistance at a more targeted or individual level, helping them build confidence and develop social skills through engaging, hands-on outdoor activities. This work focuses on supporting students to navigate challenging social situations in a positive and practical way, particularly for those who may need extra encouragement to engage at school.
 

Teaching Wellbeing

Darnum Primary School explicitly teaches wellbeing through two key programs that support students’ emotional and social development.

The Resilience Project focuses on building positive mental health through the principles of gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness. Through this program, students learn practical strategies to manage their emotions, develop resilience, and build positive relationships. It supports children to respond constructively to challenges and develop a strong sense of self.

 

Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships is a Victorian Government initiative that supports students to develop healthy relationships, emotional literacy, and an understanding of respect, inclusion, and equality. Through classroom learning, students build the skills needed to communicate effectively, resolve conflict, and contribute to a safe and inclusive school environment.

 

Working Together

We know that strong partnerships between school and home are essential in supporting student wellbeing. We encourage families to reach out if they have any concerns or would like support for their child. By working together, we can ensure that every student at Darnum Primary School feels safe, supported, and ready to succeed.