Wellbeing
At St. Anthony’s we implement a well-being program that aligns with the latest evidence-based practices. We utilise the RULER approach to Social-Emotional Learning based on 40 years of scientific research. We also have trained facilitators of the Peaceful Kids program that has had proven positive results across primary aged students, and provides tools for emotional regulation and understanding. We are also excited to be trialling the Smiling Minds Curriculum that will backfill our students’ minds with the tools necessary to achieve focussed learning and positive mindsets.
Our school has established relationships with professionals from the wellbeing field that attend our school regularly. Between these professionals and our own trained staff we offer a comprehensive wellbeing package that supports students experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression as well as other factors that may impact learning.
If you would like to know more about any of these services and programs, please do not hesitate to speak with one of our staff. We have also provided some information and resources from these programs below.
What is RULER?
RULER is an evidence-based approach for integrating social and emotional learning into schools, developed at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. RULER applies “hard science” to the teaching of what have historically been called “soft skills.” RULER teaches the skills of emotional intelligence — those associated with Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, Expressing, and Regulating emotion. Decades of research show that these skills are essential to effective teaching and learning, sound decision making, physical and mental health, and success in school and beyond.
RULER creates schools that are true safe harbors for our children. It does this by developing emotional intelligence in students from preschool to high school and in all adults involved in their education: school administrators, teachers, and support staff. Parents also participate in training so that they can reinforce the emotional skills that students learn at school. Our approach gives a unique depth and consistency to social and emotional learning that empowers school leaders and teachers to create a genuinely safe space for students to learn and grow.
An explanation of the Mood Meter as presented by prep-2.
What is Mindfulness?
Smiling Mind
At St. Anthony’s we have trained Smiling Mind Champions that are able to train and support staff, students and families in the implementation of Smiling Minds mindfulness program. In school, this provides the social and emotional tools to regulate emotions and to remain focussed for learning. At home, we have seen that this contributes to calmer home lives for all community members and provides a pre-emptive approach to a wide range of mental illness.
For more information on Smiling Mind please ask any staff at our school or visit https://www.smilingmind.com.au/
Peaceful Kids
The 'Peaceful Kids' program is a Mindfulness and Positive Psychology based program to lessen anxiety and stress and increase resilience in children. This program helps children to build their emotional resilience so they are better equipped to deal with the day to day stresses that life brings them. The Peaceful Kids program can be run in schools, organisations, hospitals and in private practice by teachers, wellbeing leaders, counsellors, psychologists, school nurses, chaplains, social workers and wellbeing practitioners.
Click here for the 10 week Peaceful Kids home program.