Keeping Our Students Safe, Supported and Connected

At Wandin Yallock Primary School, student wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. In today’s world, the word “bullying” can create big feelings very quickly, and families understandably want reassurance that their child is safe, respected and cared for. Our approach is calm, consistent and grounded in strong evidence about what helps children thrive.

We work as a whole school to create an environment that supports learning, wellbeing and positive relationships. Every student, every staff member and every family is part of this shared commitment.

A Whole-School Approach to Wellbeing

Wandin Yallock is proud to be a School Wide Positive Behaviour Support school. This means we actively teach, model and celebrate the behaviours and values that create a safe and supportive learning environment. Our expectations are clear and predictable, so students always know what successful behaviour looks like.

We are also a Respectful Relationships school. Students learn the social and emotional skills they need to form healthy friendships, resolve conflict and treat others with empathy and kindness.

Our staff are trained in the Berry Street Education Model, which supports trauma informed and strength based teaching. This training helps us nurture emotional regulation, build strong relationships and support students to stay engaged and confident in their learning.

Together, these approaches create a calm and nurturing school culture where students feel secure, connected and ready to learn.

Teaching Students to Understand Behaviour

All students learn how to recognise and respond to different types of behaviour using a simple and child friendly framework known as the Rude, Mean, Bullying model. This helps students understand:

Rude is accidental behaviour that causes offence
Mean is unkind behaviour that happens once
Bullying is repeated behaviour that targets someone and creates a power imbalance

This language helps students explain what has happened to them, and it helps adults respond clearly and appropriately.

What Bullying Is and What It Is Not

Bullying is not a one off disagreement or an argument that happens in the heat of the moment. Bullying involves behaviour that is repeated, intentional and creates an imbalance of power between students. By giving students this clarity, they are better prepared to recognise unsafe patterns, seek help and support their peers.

How We Respond

Whenever a concern is raised, we act quickly and thoughtfully. We listen carefully to all involved, gather the full picture and work with students and families to restore safety, repair relationships and prevent further harm. Our response is always calm, thorough and supportive.

Building a Culture of Kindness

Throughout the year, students take part in wellbeing programs and workshops, including sessions run by teachers and external organisations. These experiences build empathy, confidence and problem solving skills. Students learn how to be upstanders rather than bystanders and how to seek help for themselves and others.

Our message remains constant. Everyone deserves to feel safe, valued and supported. Everyone contributes to making that happen.