From the Head of Wellbeing
In recent years, the wellbeing of young people has rightly become one of the most important factors shaping school priorities across Australia. National surveys show that around one in four primary school students and over one in three secondary students experience high levels of anxiety, depression, or both, underscoring the urgent need for proactive wellbeing support in schools.
As part of our ongoing commitment to nurturing the whole child, our school has already started embedding The Resilience Project’s Whole School Wellbeing Program. This evidence-based program supports students, educators and families with tools grounded in Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness and Emotional Literacy, habits shown to strengthen resilience and mental wellbeing over time.
What does the research say?
Independent evaluation by Monash University involving more than 40,000 Australian students found that long-term participation in The Resilience Project’s School Wellbeing Program is associated with:
- 47 % reduction in the odds of experiencing depressive symptoms, and
- 34 % reduction in the odds of experiencing anxiety symptoms
compared to students not involved in the program.
In addition to these decreases in distress, students in schools implementing the program consistently showed higher life satisfaction, greater hope, improved coping skills, and stronger relationships, all positive markers of wellbeing. Our students will be part of these survey findings this year.
Why gratitude matters
Central to The Resilience Project is the practice of Gratitude, noticing and appreciating the good in our lives. Research consistently shows that gratitude supports emotional wellbeing, helps regulate stress, and fosters more positive relationships. When our students learn and practise gratitude regularly, they develop emotional muscles that help them navigate challenges with greater ease.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our wellbeing initiatives. Together, we are helping our children not only learn but also flourish with resilience, compassion, and confidence.
Gem chat moment to share at home this week:
