Singleton Primary School puts wellbeing first

The program is a flexible and whole-school approach to improving the mental health and wellbeing of primary school students, parents, teachers and staff members, taking into account the needs of the local community.

Throughout the program, schools come up with several ideas and initiatives that they can put in place to have a positive impact in the community and improve everybody’s mental wellbeing.

As part of the program, Singleton Primary set up a pop-up coffee bar for parents picking up their children to engage with each other and relax, and a quiet time for students after lunch to unwind and reflect before hitting their afternoon duties.

The school was recognised for their  efforts adopting the program at a special assembly event last week, where KidsMatter representative Lynda Cumming endorsed the school as WA’s 9th Kidsmatter school.

“KidsMatter is a national initiative to support schools in supporting mental health and wellbeing,” Ms Cumming said.

“It takes schools through a process of identifying how they can strengthen their support.

“It’s to acknowledge the importance of whole school connection, having that sense of belonging and connection for everyone, and to make it a really safe and supportive place where students can feel connected and that they can flourish and bloom.”

Ms Cumming said students and their wellbeing were at the centre of the program but social and emotional learning, working with parents and carers and supporting students with mental health difficulties were also part of the Kidsmatter idea.

”It all works better for the children if everyone is involved, a whole school approach to wellbeing and prioritising wellbeing.” Singleton Primary School art specialist Kerry Adams said.