Wellbeing, Student Leadership and Transition
Positive Education
Our Wellbeing program is based on a philosophy of Positive Education. It is underpinned by our School Values, a growth mindset culture and an understanding of character strengths. We use the six domains of wellbeing (Positive Emotions, Relationships, Engagement, Purpose, Health and Accomplishment) to provide a framework that enables whole-school focuses as well as a developmental sequence throughout each year. We work in consultation with Geelong Grammar, the pioneers of and lead research body behind Positive Education to ensure our students and community are empowered to flourish.
Respect
having regard for yourself, others & property
Cooperation
working together for the good of everyone
Resilience
being able to bounce back and to make the most of a situation when unexpected things happen
Confidence
having faith and trust in yourself
Character Strengths
Through our Positive Education Wellbeing Program, every student learns about character strengths, how we amplify them and how we can work effectively in teams to utilise each other’s’ strengths. Character Strengths form the positive parts of our personalities that impact how we think, feel and behave and is the key to us being our best self. Through knowing and understanding their strengths, students are able to work in ways that best suit them, they are able to collaborate with greater impact and understand, in a practical way, how our diversity and uniqueness enriches our community.
Student Leadership
Students have opportunities at all year levels to develop their leadership capacity in both formal and informal roles. Opportunities to develop and exhibit leadership roles include:
House Captains
Our House Captains are elected by staff and students each year as our school leaders. They each lead a portfolio, comprised of other Grade 6 students, to manage and enhance an aspect of our school: Sustainability, Resources, Communication and Physical Engagement. A staff member mentors the students in each Portfolio Team.
Junior School Council
A representative group of children from Grade 2 – 6 meet regularly to discuss student-identified matters. Their contributions have positively impacted the quality of programs, facilities and events at our school.
Student Voice Group
The Student Voice Group comprises a range of self-nominated students who work with our Wellbeing Leader to identify ‘what’s working well’ in our school and to share any current issues. They have a solution-focused approach, also being responsible for proposing and trialling resolutions and monitoring impact.
Child Safe Standards
Malvern Valley Primary is committed to child safety. As a community we want children to be safe, happy and empowered. As a Child Safe School, we have zero tolerance for any abuse of children. We have policies and processes in place to protect the care, safety and welfare of children. Keeping children safe is everyone’s responsibility Our Child Safety Officer is Mrs Amanda Howe (Assistant Principal), who can be contacted regarding any questions or concerns regarding child safety.
Transition
Our Prep Transition Program begins in August, with all students and their parents invited to attend an open morning. Regular Transition sessions then occur in November for four consecutive weeks. For students, this assists them in establishing relationships and becoming familiar with the teachers and the school environment. Through concurrently run Parent Education Sessions, parents develop a comprehensive understanding of many aspects of school life. All students are invited back in the final week of Term 4 to meet their teacher and new class for the following year.