Wellbeing
Williamstown Primary School is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that prioritizes the wellbeing and engagement of all students. Central to this commitment is the Willy Kids Program, which underpins every aspect of school life. This program emphasizes four core themes: learning, respect, responsibility, and resilience. All staff actively participate in teaching these values on a weekly basis, and the program's effectiveness is reviewed annually. Parents are kept informed through newsletters and the weekly Willy Kids Awards.
In addition to the Willy Kids Program, the school employs a whole-school approach to promoting positive behaviour, emphasizing relationships and positive reinforcement. Principles of restorative practices are utilized to encourage students to take responsibility for their actions. Classroom and playground strategies are in place to address behavioural issues, including discussions, behaviour reflection, and, when necessary, involvement of school leadership.
To support students during transitional periods, such as moving to a new year level, or transition to high school, the school offers a broad range of support and opportunities. For students who may experience higher levels of anxiety during transitions, additional support is provided by classroom teachers and the Wellbeing Team.
Overall, Williamstown Primary School's wellbeing program is designed to create a safe, respectful, and engaging learning environment that supports the academic and personal growth of every student.
Wellbeing Resources
Wellbeing Team
- Principal Team
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader
- Expressive Arts Therapist
Bluestone Lounge
The Bluestone Lounge is part of our whole school approach to proactively support and respond to the sensory needs of our students and to promote positive mental health and wellbeing. It provides multi-sensory resources and is a quiet space to assist in re-engaging with learning, or to have a break from the often-overwhelming lunch hour outside.
In designing this room and its implementation, the school consulted with our DE Student Support Services team, our Education Support Staff, our Expressive Arts Therapist, our classroom, and specialist teachers, and of course our Willy Kids.
Students access the Bluestone Lounge during learning time with Education Support Staff. During lunchtimes, the students who can access the Bluestone Lounge are nominated by their classroom teacher and the Wellbeing Team, and the student list is communicated to staff who supervise the space.
The Wellbeing Hub
Like the Bluestone Lounge, the Wellbeing Hub caters for students who wish to take part in quiet play activities during the lunch hour. Anyone can visit the Wellbeing Hub, but numbers are limited to 15 students per day. The Hub is supervised by the Student Wellbeing Leaders in Year 5/6, while the teacher on yard duty in the area is available to assist when needed. The Hub is stocked with bean bag chairs and cushions, mats, books, drawing materials, board games, soft toys, sensory items, and Lego.
Lunch Time Programs
Williamstown Primary Provides a broad range of lunch time clubs and opportunities. These include but are not limited to Lego Club, games club and the play POD. A range of spaces are also available to students such as the library, bluestone lounge and the wellbeing hub. Further information about these resources can be found on the lunch and after school page of our website.