Student Wellbeing | Firbank Grammar School Brighton & Sandringham

Our Approach

Central to learning

Know, Value and Care—so every student feels safe, known and ready to learn.

At Firbank, health and wellbeing are central to learning. We understand that when students’ physical, social and emotional needs are supported, they are better able to realise their academic potential.

Our distinctive wellbeing approach is framed by the School’s Domains and shaped in partnership with students themselves. Through bespoke programs co-designed with their input, students are empowered to lead, advocate and shape wellbeing initiatives across the School.

We also partner with external experts to deliver authentic, responsive programs tailored to each age and stage of development. Every wellbeing experience is thoughtfully designed to build resilience, confidence and balance.

Teachers, mentors and wellbeing specialists work together to provide support that’s tailored to each child’s needs, whether they’re starting in Early Learning or Junior School, or preparing for VCE.

Early Years

ELC and Junior School

A strong sense of belonging and connection is intentionally nurtured through positive relationships and restorative approaches, supporting students to grow in confidence and independence.

Classroom teachers play a central role in this work, building deep knowledge of each child within a consistent, class-based environment that fosters connection and routine.

Students are further supported through opportunities for peer connection across shared learning, play and House involvement. This approach ensures that every child feels safe, known, and ready to learn.

Years 7–12

Senior School

Our Wellbeing approach in the senior school evolves across the stages of adolescence. The school’s Domains Framework reflects this growth, providing a structured, proactive approach to students’ social and emotional development. From the transition into secondary school through to confidently stepping beyond the gates of the School, students progressively develop wellbeing knowledge and skills that are intentionally matched to their developmental needs at each stage.

Key Programs

How we bring wellbeing to life

Whole School

Respectful Relationships Curriculum

Our whole school Respectful Relationships curriculum is a key program in our proactive approach to wellbeing. The program supports students to develop empathy, build resilience and confidence, while understanding the need to build positive relationships, both at school and beyond.

Through age-appropriate learning from Early Learning through to senior years, the program:

Builds emotional awareness, resilience and strategies for managing feelings.

Develops communication skills and the ability to form healthy relationships.

Promotes respect, equality and understanding of gender and diversity.

Teaches consent, personal safety and healthy boundaries.

Strengthens help-seeking, decision-making and problem-solving skills.

PULSE

Weekly Student Wellbeing Check-In

PULSE, our student wellbeing check-in tool, provides a weekly opportunity for students to reflect on how they are feeling and connect with support when needed.

Through weekly 60-second check-ins, Years 5 to 12 students are encouraged to reflect on their wellbeing. This method of check-in creates a safe and accessible way for students to share how they are feeling and, where needed, seek support from trusted staff. For the School, it offers real time insights into individual and whole school wellbeing, helping staff identify trends and areas of need.

It also enables early identification of students who may require additional support and strengthens our positive school culture through the ability to send gratitude to others.

Student-Led

Peer-to-Peer Student Upstander Program (SUP)

The Stand Up Project (SUP) is our student-led, peer-to-peer bullying prevention program, grounded in evidence-based Upstander theory. Delivered by senior students to younger year levels, SUP empowers students to actively create a school culture of respect and inclusion.

The program aligns with the Respectful Relationships curriculum and supports students to deepen their understanding of the links between discrimination, harassment, bullying and broader social injustices, while building the confidence and skills to take positive action.

Years 8–12

Student Wellbeing Group

In the Senior School, the Student Wellbeing Group is made up of students from Years 8–12. With the support of the Director of Wellbeing and Inclusion, the group meets weekly to discuss initiatives and events to raise awareness on a range of wellbeing topics for the school community.

The Group provides connections for our students, encouraging them to look beyond themselves and the positive impact this has on the wider community. Up to two activities are held per term, including initiatives to support R U OK Day, Harmony Day and Connors Run.

“With wellbeing at the centre of all we do at Firbank, there is a natural appreciation of maintaining balance. It can be stressful, particularly at exam time, but teachers intentionally include moments of support so you are ready to perform at your best.”

Wellbeing