Regents Park Christian School Grow up into Christ Wellbeing and Christian Schools Rochelle Dawson

How are we assessing what we are doing in terms of care? “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” Nelson Mandela Attendance?Engagement? Behaviour? Health of our students?

Wellbeing as opposed to pastoral care – wellbeing is more student focussed and centred. Importance of language – reframing.

RPCS Journey Vision Personnel Professional development of teachers Co-ordinators Middle School - “People First” and “Wellbeing” courses. Whole staff development. Parents – Community newsletter, Parent info nights. Primary Wellbeing.

ASSUMPTION #1 We are Christians so we do care really well.

ASSUMPTION #2 Wellbeing is the counsellor’s responsibility.

CHALLENGE #3 Interaction of Psychology and Christianity.

Themes to the Wellbeing Approach: Christ as the foundation Whole student Student centred Strengths based

Themes to the Wellbeing Approach: Solution focussed Intentional Collaborative Whole school approach

How do we see change? And how do we change?

Change in our beliefs that need to show up in our practices: safe classrooms. social and emotional learning. student participation. rich learning. intentional healthy transitions.

Professional development of teachers  Mindsets.  Relationships.  Dealing with anxiety and depression in classroom. “As family life no longer offer a growing number of children sure footing in life. Schools are left as the one place communities can turn for correctives to children's defence in emotional and social competence…this daunting task requires major changes that teachers go beyond their traditional mission and that people in the community become more involved in schools.” Goleman 1996.

Conclusion Continue to ask ourselves can we do better? What would better look like? What is the next step for your school? For you? Continue to challenge our attitudes and mindsets around health including mental health and about teaching. Always be looking for ways to be relevant and empathetic to our young people.

Resources: Kids matter/mind matters and Beyond blue Happiness institute CASEL Gennext Michael Grose Dan Haesler danhaesler.com/dans-blog/