Donvale Primary School
Welfare Policy
1 Policy Statement
This policy aims to provide a framework to protect the mental, physical and social wellbeing of the students and staff through the provision of appropriate curriculum, proactive strategies, professional development for staff and a range of intervention services for students in need and at risk.
Our school endeavours to promote a healthy, supportive and secure environment for children and to help students develop resilience. Student Welfare is a shared responsibility between school, home and the community.
2 Rationale
Students are better prepared for learning when they are healthy, feel safe and happy. Helping students to learn effectively and to develop positive attitudes and behaviours are important complementary goals for teachers and student support services staff.
The school aims to develop a positive environment in which all teachers take responsibility for student welfare, endeavouring to provide successful experiences for all children, ensuring that they feel safe in a supportive environment, with a sense of belonging and wellbeing.
3 Implementation
This policy will be implemented by the Welfare co-ordinator, supported by the Principal, Assistant Principal, and the staff by:-
• placing high priority on developing and maintaining a positive, caring school environment—systematically working on the quality of relationships within the school community by implementing programs such as Circles to support values reinforcement and Kool Kids, Positive Parents to build social skills
• adopting strategic and collaborative approaches to address the health and wellbeing of students in partnership with community agencies
• ensuring that provision is made for supporting all members of our school community and have access to the full range of professional support services
• assisting children to develop appropriate social behaviours and problem solving skills
• ensuring that staff are confident, skilled and proactive in the management of student welfare issues and that communication processes and protocols are clear and well known
• targeting professional development for staff about knowledge and skills in areas concerning communication with students and parents
· recognising the needs of vulnerable students and accessing appropriate support for them
• allocating funds to ensure that students from families suffering from severe economic hardship are able to participate in school activities on the recommendation of the Principal
• discussing and responding to the annual Staff Opinion Survey to address any issues identified
4 Evaluation and Review
This policy is to be reviewed every four years, or following referral by School Council.
5 References
VELS (Health)
DEECD Effective Schools are Engaging Schools – Student Engagement Policy Guidelines
DEECD Building Respectful and Safe Schools
Healthy Relationships Program, Family Life, Healthy Families Program, Assertive Discipline Program, DPS Anti-Bullying Policy, DPS Drug Education Policy, Managing School Emergencies, Mandatory Reporting Guidelines
DPS Student Code of Conduct
This policy was ratified by School Council on 8th December 2010