Student wellbeing
Like all NSW public schools, we provide safe learning and teaching environments to encourage healthy, happy, successful and productive students.
The department is committed to creating quality learning opportunities for children and young people. These opportunities support wellbeing through positive and respectful relationships and fostering a sense of belonging to the school and community.
The 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.
Wellbeing at James Ruse Agricultural High School
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 roadmap is a strategic plan that tailors various programs, including a comprehensive whole school camp program, to address the evolving needs of each year group.
A Holistic Approach to Wellbeing
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.
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 Advisors (Year 7 - 12)
- Student Support Officer
- School Counsellor/School Psychologist
- Transition Coordinator
- Head Teacher Wellbeing
- Deputy Principals
- Principal
