

ST DAMIAN'S BUNDOORA
Wellbeing & Programs
At St Damian’s Primary School, student wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to nurturing the social, emotional, spiritual, and moral development of every student, ensuring they feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive in all aspects of school life.
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Our goals are to promote a positive school culture where strong, respectful relationships flourish between students and teachers, and every child is encouraged to make meaningful contributions to the school community. We strive to provide an environment where students feel confident to make positive choices and reach their full potential.
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At St Damian’s, we offer a wide range of programs and initiatives that create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.
One of our key initiatives is the Positive Behaviour Passport, which supports our behaviour management guidelines. This school-wide approach encourages students to live by our core values—Hope, Compassion, and Integrity—and promotes positive behaviour across all year levels.
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We place strong emphasis on emotional and social learning. The Respectful Relationships program is a central part of our curriculum, helping students build respectful, resilient relationships. This is further supported by small wellbeing groups, individual check-ins, and access to a school-based counsellor, ensuring personalised support for students when needed.
Our school calendar features meaningful wellbeing events that bring our community together. During SWELL (Student Wellbeing) Week, students take part in activities that promote calm transitions, teamwork, resilience, and personal safety. Events like Harmony Day highlight our cultural diversity and celebrate our inclusive school culture.
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All students also take part in Kids Helpline classroom sessions, which focus on key issues such as friendship, online safety, bullying prevention, emotional literacy, and resilience. These sessions provide practical skills to help students manage challenges and build confidence.
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We also offer a variety of supportive structures, including:
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Lunchtime clubs for students who prefer quiet, social spaces
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Daily Christian meditation to encourage mindfulness and spiritual reflection
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An active Student Representative Council (SRC) to give students a voice in school decisions
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A vibrant Student Leadership Program that promotes confidence and responsibility
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Ongoing professional development for staff to enhance wellbeing support, including leadership from our dedicated Student Wellbeing Leader
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Participation in initiatives that reflect our commitment to safety and respect for all.
At St Damian’s, our school garden also plays a meaningful role in supporting student wellbeing by offering a calm, hands-on space where children can connect with nature and each other. Gardening activities allow students to slow down, engage their senses, and develop a sense of responsibility and care for living things. Working in the garden encourages mindfulness, patience, and teamwork, providing a peaceful alternative to the busyness of the classroom or playground. It also fosters a sense of achievement and pride as students plant, nurture, and watch their efforts grow over time. Whether it’s watering vegetables, planting flowers, or simply enjoying the natural surroundings, the garden provides an opportunity for reflection, connection, and emotional balance—contributing to a positive and grounded school experience.
At St Damian’s, we believe that when students feel valued, heard, and supported, they are more engaged in their learning and personal growth. Our wellbeing programs reflect a holistic, inclusive approach that nurtures every child—socially, emotionally, and academically.
SUPPORT SERVICES
Learning Support is available for students from Prep to Year Six who may require additional assistance with intellectual, social, emotional or physical needs.
We offer support in different ways such as:
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Learning Diversity Leader
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Learning Support Officers
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Translators – Mandarin and Italian
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Student Wellbeing, Mathematics and Literacy Leaders
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Intervention Program – provides further support to develop effective reading and writing skills for those students in need
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EAL (English as an Additional Language) intervention
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External agencies providing support and assessments within the school, for example Psychologists, Speech Pathologists and Education Advisors
St Damian’s staff work closely with families in order to ensure that all students are supported in their learning.
SWELL WEEK
At St Damian’s, student wellbeing is supported from the very start of each term through our dedicated SWELL (Student Wellbeing) Week and SWELL Days. These events are designed to help students transition smoothly back into school life, re-establish routines, and reconnect with their peers and teachers in a positive and supportive way.
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SWELL Week, held once a year, is a school-wide celebration of wellbeing. Throughout the week, students take part in a range of engaging activities focused on building resilience, promoting teamwork, and supporting personal safety. The week encourages calm and connection across all year levels, reinforcing our commitment to fostering a nurturing school environment.
In addition, SWELL Days are held at the beginning of each term, offering students the chance to reset, settle in, and re-establish strong relationships after a school break. These days focus on team-building, class expectations, mindfulness, and creating a shared sense of belonging. Teachers use this time to guide conversations around feelings, transitions, and strategies for personal wellbeing.
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Together, SWELL Week and SWELL Days play a vital role in creating a positive, inclusive atmosphere where every student feels safe, connected, and ready to learn. They reflect our proactive approach to wellbeing, helping students begin each term with confidence, calmness, and a strong sense of community.
CELEBRATING STUDENT VOICE
SRC

St Damian’s has an active Student Representative Council (SRC) composed of an elected member from each of the Year 1 to 6 classes. The SRC provides students with the opportunity to further their leadership skills. The SRC also provides an opportunity for further communication between students and staff and ensures student input is an integral part of the decision-making process where appropriate.
QUIET, SUPPORTIVE PLAY
Lunch Time Activities
At St Damian’s, we recognise that every student is different, and that playtime needs can vary from child to child. Our Lunchtime Clubs offer a quiet, supportive space where students can engage in calm activities, build friendships, and enjoy meaningful interactions in smaller groups.
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These clubs provide an alternative to the busy playground environment, allowing students to play quiet games, engage in creative tasks, or simply relax in a quieter setting. They are particularly beneficial for students who may feel overwhelmed by loud or unstructured play, or who prefer more low-key social opportunities.
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The purpose of Lunchtime Clubs is to:
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Foster inclusion by offering a welcoming space for all students
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Support social development through structured, small-group interactions
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Promote emotional wellbeing by reducing anxiety and creating a sense of safety
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Encourage new friendships across year levels in a relaxed environment
The benefits of participating in these clubs are wide-reaching. Students build confidence as they interact with peers in a calm and respectful way. They also develop important social skills such as turn-taking, cooperation, and empathy—all within a setting that values individuality and kindness.
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Lunchtime Clubs are a valuable part of our broader wellbeing approach at St Damian’s, ensuring that every child feels included, supported, and free to be themselves during all parts of the school day.

SOMEONE TO LOOK OUT FOR YOU
Buddies
Our Buddy Program supports a smooth and positive transition for children starting school. Senior students are paired with Foundation students to help them feel safe, supported and connected as they begin their learning journey. Together, buddies take part in regular structured activities such as story writing, craft and maths games, building meaningful relationships through shared experiences. The program fosters a strong sense of community and belonging across the school.
SUPPORTING INDIVIDUAL NEEDS
Learning Diversity
The Learning Diversity Team (Learning Diversity Leader and Learning Support Officers) work in partnership with teachers, families, external agencies, and students to ensure that every child at St Damian’s has equitable access to an inclusive, high-quality education.