The ‘Health, Welfare and Safety’ element of the Wellbeing Framework plays a critical role in ensuring that students are provided with an environment that prioritises their physical and mental health.

This element includes measures for promoting mental health awareness and offering support for both physical and emotional wellbeing. By implementing policies, initiatives and practices for health and safety, the school can reduce the risk of harm, create a culture of care and foster a more supportive and secure environment.

The inclusion of welfare also ensures that students and families have access to necessary resources, such as counselling, medical assistance and safe spaces for expression.

Promoting safety not only protects students but also builds trust, allowing them to feel confident and valued within their environments.

The Health, Welfare and Safety element is a foundational aspect of a broader wellbeing approach that addresses the comprehensive needs of students.

*This framework element is linked to ‘Safety’ in the 'Junior School Wellbeing Framework’*

·        Health and Physical Education Lessons

Health and Physical Education lessons are fundamental to promoting students' physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. It provides them with the knowledge and skills to make healthy choices. Embedding these lessons into the curriculum, Mulgrave Primary School ensures that students' health, welfare, and safety are prioritised, empowering them to lead active and balanced lives.

·        Puberty Education

Mulgrave Primary School uses the knowledge and expertise from members of ‘The Human Development Workshop’ to deliver the puberty education program to students in Years 4 & 5. Students actively participate in three sessions, supporting students through the physical, emotional, and social changes associated with adolescence.

By providing accurate, age-appropriate information, these lessons help students navigate this transition with confidence, promoting their health, welfare and safety during a crucial period of development.

https://www.theworkshop.org.au/home

·        eSafety and eSmart

The eSafety and eSmart programs are integral in teaching students how to navigate the digital world safely, responsibly and respectfully. These programs help protect students' online health, welfare and safety by equipping them with the skills to manage their digital footprint, identify online risks and engage in positive online interactions.

·        Digital Agreement

Senior school students at Mulgrave Primary School sign a digital agreement that outlines clear expectations for students' online behaviour, ensuring they engage with technology in a safe and responsible manner. Establishing these guidelines further promotes students' health, welfare, and safety, helping them make positive digital choices and protecting their wellbeing in an increasingly connected world.

·        Monitoring Attendance

Monitoring attendance helps identify patterns that may point to health, welfare or safety concerns, ensuring families and the school can work together to support student wellbeing.

·        School Staff Training and Professional Development

Mulgrave Primary School staff undertake training per the Department of Education guidelines. This equips school staff with the tools and knowledge to effectively support students’ health, welfare and safety needs. This ensures that school staff are prepared to provide a safe, caring and inclusive environment for all students. Additional professional development is available for school staff to further their knowledge and understanding of how-to best support student health, welfare and safety.