By Bonny Burrows
At Bayles Regional Primary School, the goal is healthy minds, happy people.
The school launched its KidsMatter program on 28 April in a bid to increase staff, student and family mental health.
Covering eight topics of social and emotional learning, the program teaches emotion recognition, coping strategies and stress management through a variety of fun games, engaging not just the student but their parents.
School student wellbeing officer Lea Naismith said positive mental health began in childhood, providing a solid basis for managing change as they grow.
“Children who are mentally healthy are better able to meet life’s challenges and have stronger relationships with the people around them,” Ms Naismith said.
“They are also better learners who are more likely to succeed at school.”
Alongside the KidsMatter program, Bayles Regional Primary School has also extended its wellbeing programs to include lunchtime sessions in gardening, art, sport, relaxation, Lego, choir and library time.
Individual and small group counselling is also on offer for the broader school community.
“These are all extra programs that encourage sharing, problem solving, kindness and responsibility,” Ms Naismith said.
More information about the program can be found at: https://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/primary
