Social Emotional Wellbeing
Schools worldwide must give children intellectual and practical tools they can bring to their classrooms, families and communities. Social Emotional Learning provides many of these tools. It is a way of teaching and organising classrooms and schools that helps children learn a set of skills needed to successfully manage life tasks such as learning, forming relationships, communicating effectively, being sensitive to others’ needs, and getting along with others. When schools implement high-quality SEL programs and approaches effectively, academic achievement of children increases, incidence of problem behaviours decreases, the relationships that surround each child are improved and the climate of classrooms and schools changes for the better.
Mother of Good Counsel School utilises the ‘Second Steps’ Education program with its main purpose to support communities, schools and homes in a collective effort to optimise the social, emotional and academic outcomes of all young people.
We use this whole school approach, which also includes Parent and Staff Educational Programs. Mother of Good Counsel School further supports children in their social and emotional development by running a School Mentoring Program. With the assistance of a specialist mentor / teacher, the child works on essential skills in order to reach his/her full potential.
Social Emotional Learning
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) supports students to develop fundamental skills necessary for wellbeing and life effectiveness. SEL enables students to recognise and manage emotions, demonstrate care and concern for others, establish positive relationships, make responsible decisions and handle challenging situations effectively.
These skills develop emotional literacy in individuals and school communities and are best fostered in caring, engaging, participatory learning environments. Established social and emotional skills provide the foundation for academic achievement, maintenance of good mental and physical health, quality relationships and responsible participation in a democratic society.
SEL develops social, emotional, and motivational competence of young people and optimises their social-emotional and academic success. It encourages prevention, promotion, and intervention efforts (school, home and community) in order to build the social and emotional strengths of young people.
Social Emotional Learning is fostered through a variety of practices at Mother of Good Counsel School:
Playground Guardians
Year Six students are utilised during play times to:
- Support teachers on playground duty
- Help new students settle into the school
- Assist students who are hurt or need assistance finding a friend
- Mediate minor disputes
- Encourage safe and inclusive play, and
- Model positive and inclusive behaviour.
Peer Support Program
Peer Support enhances peer connections and provides students with a supportive learning environment to develop skills, understandings, attitudes and strategies to make healthy life decisions. Year Six Peer Leaders are trained to lead multi-age groups of students in a variety of experiences that empowers young people to support each other and contribute positively to society.
Better Buddy Program
Classes participate in structured, teacher-directed ‘Buddy Time’. ‘Buddy Time’ encourages children to form positive and supportive relationships with one another. The mascot of the Better Buddies is Buddy Bear, a fun loving and caring purple bear.
Student Mentoring
Our mentoring program, first introduced at Mother of Good Counsel in 2003, is considered highly successful by students, staff, parents and mentors. Mentoring is a powerful tool for young people who are not reaching their potential due to not succeeding in a specific social skill. Students are released from class activities for one hour each week to receive specific instruction and support and to focus on developing positive Habits of Mind.
