Wellbeing

At the heart of our school is a strong commitment to nurturing our students. We prioritise a supportive environment where students feel safe, valued, and empowered to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. Through targeted programs, dedicated staff, and a culture of respect and care, we help every student build resilience, confidence, and positive relationships that support their success both inside and outside the classroom.

How we support student wellbeing

Our commitment to student wellbeing is brought to life through the S.T.A.R. module, an approach that empowers every child to shine. By focusing on Safety, Teamwork, Achievement, and Respect, we nurture confident learners who feel secure, collaborate with others, strive for their best, and value kindness in all they do. Through these guiding principles, students flourish both academically and personally, building the foundations for success and positive relationships at school and beyond.

We do this through:

• Learning and Support Teacher (LaST) – assistance for students experiencing difficulties in learning and
  behaviour. This teacher assists students in the learning areas of literacy and numeracy.
• Support Teachers – support teachers come into the learning spaces to provide support and co-teach with grade teachers. The support may be for reading, mathematics or other learning areas, dependant on the need and organisation.
• School Learning Support Officer (SLSO) – under the supervision and direction of teachers, SLSOs are employed to provide additional support within the classroom. This position exists to support specific student needs.
• English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D) – EAL/D learners are students whose first language or dialect is not standard Australian English. These students may require additional support to assist them to develop English proficiency. We have EAL/D teachers working in our classrooms. They assist the students with their written and spoken English. There is also a program for New Arrivals to the country (NAP).
• High Potential Gifted Education (HPGE) – These students are identified as needing additional extension work and are catered for by curriculum differentiation in the classroom.
• School Psychologist – provides assistance to students who are referred by the Learning Support Team for academic or wellbeing concerns. The school psychologist is available two days per week. Parents may also request an appointment regarding their child.
• Hearing Support Unit - Penshurst Public School is an educational setting that embraces diversity. One element of this diversity is the Hearing Support Unit. The unit consists of three classes catering for students from 3 years old to Year 6, staffed by specialist teachers, which cater for students who are D/deaf or hard-of-hearing. The unit has existed at Penshurst Public School since 1947 and is very much part of the culture of this dynamic setting.

Visit Our principal and staff to learn about our wellbeing and specialist support staff.

School award system

Awards are presented to students each week. These awards include STAR awards (Safety, Teamwork, Achieve, Respect) and Superstar awards (awarded for learning areas). All award recipients are presented with their awards at assemblies and acknowledged in the school newsletter.

STAR awards

Superstar award

Major awards

Bronze

First five awards earn a bronze award.

Silver

Next five awards earn a silver award meet the needs of every student.

Gold

Next five awards earn a gold awarded the needs of every student.

Gold Medallion

Three gold awards earn a gold medallion

A culminative model focusing on recognising positive student behaviours is implemented for all students from K to 6

Counselling for families

The school counsellor can assist when families undergo a trauma or big change. Contact us to make an appointment. For information in community languages, see school counselling service.

Outside of the education system, free telephone counselling services are available to support families who may be going through a difficult time.

• Lifeline – 24-hour telephone counselling service. 13 11 14.
• Mensline Australia – 24-hour telephone counselling service for men. 1300 789 978.
• Parent line – an advice and information service. 1300 1300 52.

Need support for your child's wellbeing?

Get in touch to talk about the right support for your child.

Contact us