Supporting Student Wellbeing and Growth

One of the College’s four Key Directions is Empowering Students to Flourish.

At Marymede, we see flourishing as more than academic success. It means supporting the whole child to grow socially, emotionally and personally.

Guided by Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing, Lisa Murray, our Wellbeing teams lead a whole school approach to creating the conditions in which every student can thrive. Through ongoing monitoring and data informed practices, we build a clear understanding of student wellbeing and growth, shaping classroom, pastoral and wellbeing programs and practicies that create safe, inclusive environments and support each student’s development.

From Prep through to Year 12, wellbeing is a core priority. We focus on building a positive, safe and caring environment where every student feels known and valued. Through strong relationships and the development of social and emotional skills, students build resilience, confidence, and a sense of agency, supporting their capacity to lead and contribute.

A strong sense of belonging is central to student wellbeing. Through our pastoral and wellbeing programs, staff build meaningful relationships with students and create inclusive environments where diversity is recognised and valued. Respecting students’ cultural backgrounds, faiths, interests and experiences supports identity, connection and confidence, helping each student develop their strengths and sense of self.

Beginning in the early years, students are explicitly supported to develop skills such as emotional regulation, resilience, self‑compassion and social connection. This empowers them to respond to challenges, build positive relationships and flourish both in and beyond the classroom.

Self-Acceptance

We identify and acknowledge each individual’s character strengths
We support students to reflect and evaluate their thoughts and actions in a realistic and positive manner
We teach, model and acknowledge positive self-talk and self-acceptance
We celebrate our diversity

Personal Growth

We foster student self-efficacy
We teach, model and acknowledge a growth mindset
We empower student voice in goal-setting for achievement

Resilience

We explicitly teach positive coping strategies centred on hope
We facilitate restorative responses that empower students to calmly resolve conflict
We teach students to self-regulate

Respectful Relationships

We prioritise building positive and respectful relationships with and between students
We purposefully build connections between all members of the community
We create an inclusive and safe environment for our diverse community that fosters a sense of belonging

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L)

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) is a whole‑school approach that supports the wellbeing, engagement and success of every student. At Marymede Catholic College, PB4L provides a consistent and proactive framework that promotes positive behaviour, strengthens relationships and creates safe, respectful and inclusive learning environments where students feel a strong sense of belonging.

Through clear expectations, explicit teaching and shared language across the College, PB4L helps students develop the skills they need to manage their behaviour, build positive relationships and take responsibility for their actions. This approach supports students to flourish academically, socially and emotionally, while reinforcing our commitment to dignity, compassion and care for all members of our community.

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Learning Diversity

Marymede’s approach to Learning Diversity and Inclusion is grounded in the belief that every student is valued, capable and deserving of support to succeed. Through inclusive classroom practices, differentiated learning and targeted support, the College ensures that all students, including those with additional needs, English as an Additional Language learners and High Ability students, can access learning in ways that work for them.

This approach is closely linked to student wellbeing and our Wellbeing Leaders work closely with our Learning Diversity teams. When students feel included, understood and supported, they develop a stronger sense of belonging, confidence and self worth. By responding to individual strengths and needs, building positive partnerships with families and creating equitable learning environments, Marymede supports not only academic growth but also each student’s social, emotional and personal development, helping them to feel safe, capable and ready to thrive.

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Wellbeing Spaces

The College underscores its commitment to Student Wellbeing by appointing registered psychologists and counsellors, available to students for counselling and assessments. Our Wellbeing Centres at each Campus provide a dedicated space focused on student support. Our counsellors engage with students needing extra support and counselling services. Our team are also experienced in connecting parents and guardians with external services where required.

Our Student Wellbeing teams and Learning Diversity teams at each of our Campuses work closely with our Counselling staff, to ensure a holistic approach to Student Wellbeing.

Additionally in the Primary School, we have a Primary Wellbeing Space, a dedicated and accessible space for our younger students to engage with numerous activities and strategies to support regulation and wellbeing.

Wellbeing Program

Teens Connect and Tweens Connect

Teens Connect and Tweens Connect are supportive and engaging initiatives designed to help students build confidence, develop friendships and strengthen their sense of belonging within the Marymede Catholic College community.

Both programs provide students with opportunities to practise essential social skills in a safe and guided environment, including communication, cooperation, emotional awareness and peer connection. The programs support students as they develop greater social independence while feeling known, supported and encouraged.

Teens Connect includes team‑building activities designed to build and strengthen social skills and foster friendships, along with a mix of on‑site and local off‑site experiences. All activities are supported and facilitated by the College’s Counselling Team.

Tweens Connect invites Year 5 and 6 students who may require extra support to connect with peers to participate in on‑site after school activities focused on building confidence and positive peer connections within the school environment. These are facilitated by the Counselling Team and Primary Staff, providing a supportive and age‑appropriate experience for younger students.

Empowering Students to Flourish

Lisa Murray