Wellbeing

At Kerry Street, wellbeing is central to everything we do. We nurture the whole child – emotionally, socially, physically and relationally – so that every student feels safe, connected, respected and empowered to thrive.

Wellbeing is not a separate program at Kerry Street. It is woven into daily school life, shaping how we build relationships, support children through challenges, and create a culture of care, belonging and mutual respect.

What Wellbeing Looks Like

Our wellbeing approach is proactive and relational, supported through:

  • strong, trusting relationships between students, staff and families
  • opportunities for students to develop emotional awareness, resilience and co- and self-regulation
  • student voice and agency through class meetings, Kids’ Council and whole-school gatherings
  • a school culture grounded in connection, inclusion, kindness and respect

Children learn best when they feel safe and supported. By prioritising wellbeing, we create the conditions for confident learners, healthy relationships and positive engagement with learning.

Dedicated Wellbeing Spaces

We recognise that children regulate, reset and reconnect in different ways. At Kerry Street, students have access to a range of dedicated wellbeing spaces that provide calm, safety and support beyond the classroom when needed.

These spaces are part of our everyday wellbeing culture and offer students alternative environments where they can pause, co-regulate with a trusted adult, or simply have time away from the busyness of classroom learning.

Our Sensory Room is a warm, flexible space designed to support a wide range of needs and experiences. It includes soft areas, creative materials, opportunities for big body movement, and much-loved spaces such as the nook couch. Children may use this space in different ways at different times, guided by what feels supportive for them.

Our Hammock Hangout is located in our Wild Space, nestled beneath the Weeping Peppermint tree. This outdoor wellbeing space offers fresh air, gentle vestibular input, while the sounds of wind in the trees, birdsong, and the changing seasons create a calming sensory environment. Time spent here supports regulation through nature, movement and stillness, helping students reconnect before returning to learning.

Wellbeing Support

Our Wellbeing Coordinator works alongside classroom teachers and families to support students’ social and emotional development. Support is responsive and strengths-based, recognising that children may need different kinds of support at different times.

This work focuses on helping children to:

  • build confidence and self-understanding
  • develop positive coping strategies
  • navigate friendships and challenges with empathy
  • feel heard, valued and supported within the school community

Child Safety and Care

Kerry Street Community School is committed to prioritising the safety and wellbeing of our students and ensures that all policies, procedures, practices, and strategies are underpinned by our nominated child-safe organisational framework, National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

Clear expectations help keep our community safe and respectful. Kerry Street’s Codes of Conduct outline shared responsibilities and standards of behaviour for:

Speaking Up: Child Friendly Complaints

We want children to know that their voices matter and that it is safe to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.

Below is our Child Friendly Complaints Process, designed to help students understand:

  • what a complaint is
  • who they can talk to
  • what will happen when they ask for help

A Shared Responsibility

Wellbeing and safety at Kerry Street are a shared responsibility. By working in partnership with families and maintaining clear, respectful processes, we aim to create a community where every child feels secure, empowered and able to flourish.