When we feel well, we can learn well.
At Aldercourt, Wellbeing is at the core of everything we do. We believe that everyone can be successful with the right support and time.
Across our whole school we use a range of trauma-informed practices that support every student to be ready to learn and feel calm, present and centred.
Orderly, safe, and calm learning environments lie at the hear of our learning and teaching. As part of our whole school approach to wellbeing and learning, our school uses Berry Street Education Model and Resilience Rights and Respectful Relationships as cornerstones to our learning, teaching, and wellbeing programs across our whole school.
We have a dedicated Wellbeing Team of highly-trained specialists who work with our families, students, and staff to best support our students every day.
To get more of a feel for what our approach to wellbeing can look like, here are some examples of our whole school approaches that help every child feel and achieve success.
What is Unconditional Positive Regard?
Unconditional Positive Regard refers to accepting and supporting another student exactly as they are.
At the heart of this concept is the belief that students have the personal resources within, to help themselves.
As the adults and leaders of our classrooms, we know that unconditional positive regard starts with us, how we think, behave, speak to, and treat others.
What are “Brain Breaks”?
To allow our students to get the most out of each and every lesson we offer regular ‘brain breaks’ throughout the day. Brain breaks are a fun way to keep our students motivated, engaged and stimulated. They are also used to help our students self-regulate or ‘re-set’ in a productive and enjoyable way.
Some examples of our brain breaks include:
- “Would you rather?” game
- “Go Noodle” (Dance)
- “Exercise / Fitness games”
- “Guessing games”
What is a “Ready to Learn Plan”?
A Ready to Learn Plan is a pre-arranged deal between students and their teacher to provide a student with de-escalating and self-regulating strategies.
Ready to Learn Plan strategies are used to assist students to return to the “learn zone” if they become distracted or need a break. All classes and students have personalised Ready to Learn plans to use when and if needed.
Some examples of these strategies are:
- Ask for a 5 minutes time out in a quiet classroom space
- Listen to calm or soothing music
- Mindful breathing
- Talking to a Wellbeing team member