Wellbeing

At our school, student wellbeing and learning go hand in hand. We want every student to feel safe, included and ready to learn. Whether your child needs help with their mental, emotional, social or physical wellbeing, we are here to help them thrive at school and in daily life.

The Department of Education Wellbeing Framework for Schools helps schools support the cognitive, physical, social, emotional and spiritual development of students and allow them to connect, succeed and thrive throughout their education.

At James Ruse Agricultural High School, we prioritise the comprehensive development of our students through a carefully developed wellbeing program. This program takes a deliberate and planned approach, offering a range of evidence-based initiatives specifically designed to enhance the cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of our highly gifted learners. Our school's culture, anchored in mutual respect and a dedication to excellence, is shaped by our core values – ASPIRE (Acceptance, Service, Participation, Integrity, Respect, and Endeavour). Serving as a foundation for academic success, our distinctive approach is guided by a Wellbeing Roadmap.

The Wellbeing Roadmap reflects our commitment to a holistic approach to education, acknowledging that student success is intricately tied to their emotional, social, and physical wellbeing. By aligning programs with the specific focus areas for each year group, we ensure that our students receive targeted support at every stage of their educational journey which includes a comprehensive whole school camp program, to address the evolving needs of each year group.

The Wellbeing Roadmap

Year 7: Embracing Change

In Year 7, our focus is on navigating the transitions that come with starting high school. The ‘Change’ theme emphasises adaptability and resilience. Our flagship program, Peer Support, is designed to help students build connections, fostering a sense of community and support as they embark on this new chapter of their academic journey.

Year 8: Respectful Relationships

Year 8 centres around the theme of Respectful Relationships. Students engage in programs that promote empathy, communication, and cooperation. By nurturing positive interactions and understanding, we aim to create an environment where respect is a cornerstone of both academic and social endeavours.

Year 9: Embracing Support and Supporting Others

Year 9 encourages students to seek and embrace support while also becoming a source of support for their peers. Programs focus on building a culture of empathy, encouraging students to reach out for help when needed and fostering a supportive community within the school.

Year 10: Learning to be Independent

The theme for Year 10 is Independence. Students are guided to develop essential life skills, empowering them to take responsibility for their learning and personal growth. Through targeted programs, we aim to equip Year 10 students with the tools needed to navigate the challenges of independence successfully.

Years 11 and 12: Managing Demands and Persevering

The senior years, 11 and 12, are a critical period marked by academic demands and personal growth. Our focus is on managing these demands while instilling a spirit of perseverance. Wellbeing programs during these years provide tools for stress management, time organisation, and resilience-building, preparing students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Connect @ Ruse

Connect @ Ruse provides students with the opportunity to actively engage in a series of lessons delivered daily (excluding Wednesdays) for ten minutes. The program aims to cultivate a resilient state of wellbeing and mental health within the student body.

Research shows that students who participate in well designed and delivered social and emotional learning programs demonstrate increased positive social behaviour, a reduced likelihood of engaging in risky or disruptive behaviours, and notable improvements in their academic performance.

The Wellbeing Team

The team that supports student wellbeing is comprised of:

• Year Advisers and Assistant Year Advisers (Year 7 - 12)
• Student Support Officer
• School Counsellor/School Psychologist
• New Student Transition Coordinator
• Head Teacher Wellbeing
• Deputy Principals
• Principal

How we support student wellbeing

Supporting each student’s mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing is part of everyday school life.

We do this through:

• teachers who help students feel welcome and included
• access to school counsellors, school psychologists and specialist staff
• programs that support health, social skills, attendance and positive behaviour
• help for students who are new or changing year levels
• clear expectations for behaviour and respectful relationships
• staff who get to know each child and work closely with families
• developing health care plans for students
• open communication about wellbeing and support.

Counselling for families

The school counsellor can assist when families undergo a trauma or big change. Contact us to make an appointment. For information in community languages, see school counselling service.

Outside of the education system, free telephone counselling services are available to support families who may be going through a difficult time.

• Lifeline – 24-hour telephone counselling service. 13 11 14.
• Mensline Australia – 24-hour telephone counselling service for men. 1300 789 978.
• Parent line – 24-hour advice and information service. 1300 1300 52.

Interpreting and translations

We will help you communicate with our school. If you’d like an interpreter for a school meeting, let us know and we will arrange one, if available.

If you don’t speak or understand English well and want to contact us, call TIS National on 131 450 and ask for an interpreter in your language. The operator will call the school and get an interpreter to help. This service is free.

For more information, listen in your language.

Visit the department’s translated documents section for important information that’s relevant for your child’s education in many languages.

Need support for your child's wellbeing?

Get in touch to talk about the right support for your child.

Contact us