Student Wellbeing at Porties
At Port Noarlunga Primary School, we believe that student wellbeing underpins learning.
Our vision is to enable all students to achieve their full potential by providing the time, space and learning opportunities that stretch and support them in all learning endeavours. We aim to create opportunities for growth and development in social and emotional capabilities, building resilient and capable learners who can interact with and support one another in a range of settings.
At PNPS, wellbeing is not separate from learning. It is woven through our classrooms, relationships, routines and expectations.
Our Approach to Student Wellbeing
We take a proactive, inclusive and trauma-informed approach to student wellbeing. We recognise that every child is unique and that wellbeing can look different for different learners, at different times.
Our approach focuses on:
- strong, positive relationships between students and adults
- predictable and supportive environments
- understanding behaviour as communication
- supporting students to build emotional awareness, regulation and resilience
We are a neuro-affirming school community. We recognise and value neurodiversity, understanding that students experience and respond to the world in different ways. Wellbeing support at PNPS is guided by individual needs and strengths.
Student wellbeing is a shared responsibility across our school. All staff play a role in supporting students to feel safe, included and ready to learn, working together to create a calm and supportive environment where students can flourish.
Frameworks That Guide Our Work
Our wellbeing practices are informed by a range of evidence-based frameworks and curriculum requirements. These frameworks guide and influence our practice, rather than define it, allowing us to respond flexibly to the needs of our students and community.
Open Parachute
Open Parachute is our whole-school wellbeing program, supporting students to build emotional literacy, self-awareness and coping skills. Lessons are delivered across year levels and provide students with a shared language to understand emotions, relationships and wellbeing. Parent resources are also available to support conversations at home.
Berry Street Education Model
Principles from the Berry Street Education Model inform our approach to teaching and wellbeing. These principles support us to prioritise:
- strong relationships
- emotional regulation
- readiness to learn
- predictable and supportive learning environments
This framework helps staff understand how wellbeing, behaviour and learning are closely connected.
Child Protection Curriculum (CPC)
The Child Protection Curriculum is a South Australian curriculum requirement that supports students to develop knowledge and skills related to safety, respectful relationships, help-seeking and understanding their rights and responsibilities. CPC is delivered in age-appropriate ways and forms part of our commitment to supporting students to feel safe, empowered and supported at school.
How We Support Student Wellbeing
At Port Noarlunga Primary School, student wellbeing is supported through a range of proactive, inclusive and responsive practices. Support is available to all students and is shaped by individual strengths, needs and circumstances.
Wellbeing support at PNPS occurs at different levels and may include:
Whole School Supports
All students benefit from:
- consistent routines and expectations
- a focus on positive relationships and connection
- explicit teaching of social and emotional skills through programs such as Open Parachute
- inclusive classroom practices that support regulation, engagement and belonging
These supports help create a predictable and supportive environment where students feel safe and ready to learn.
Supporting Positive Transitions
Transitions can be a significant time for students and families. Our Starting School Program supports students entering Reception and Mid-Year Reception to develop familiarity with the school environment, routines and key staff. This program plays an important role in supporting positive transitions, reducing anxiety and helping students feel settled and connected as they begin their learning journey at PNPS.
Targeted and Individual Support
Some students may benefit from additional or more targeted wellbeing support at different times. This support is flexible and responsive, and may include:
- small group or individual check-ins
- additional support during transitions or periods of change
- personalised strategies to support regulation and engagement
Decisions about support are guided by observation, collaboration and an understanding of each student’s context. Support is based on need and function, rather than diagnosis or labels.
Our Approach to Student Wellbeing
We take a proactive, inclusive and trauma-informed approach to student wellbeing. We recognise that every child is unique and that wellbeing can look different for different learners, at different times.
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Our approach focuses on:
- strong, positive relationships between students and adults
- predictable and supportive environments
- understanding behaviour as communication
- supporting students to build emotional awareness, regulation and resilience
We are a neuro-affirming school community. We recognise and value neurodiversity, understanding that students experience and respond to the world in different ways. Wellbeing support at PNPS is guided by individual needs and strengths.
Student wellbeing is a shared responsibility across our school. All staff play a role in supporting students to feel safe, included and ready to learn, working together to create a calm and supportive environment where students can flourish.
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