I think everybody that works in a school wants to create a space that is safe for students to grow, flourish and where they can understand the impact that they can have on the world around them.

Our new Wellbeing Framework gives every individual space to grow their own skills and develop their understanding so that they can apply the skills that are meaningful to them, to situations when they need it. This framework has been developed to address the differing developmental requirements for all our students to ensure that we are able to provide an environment where they can learn and receive the care that they need at each and every stage of their schooling experience.

Throughout the process of creating the framework, we wanted to give our students the time and space to create their own understanding of what wellbeing means to them, ensuring that they are able to develop their understanding of wellbeing, and apply those skills to their own lives as they navigate their futures. The student voice here is something that we incorporate in everything that we do.

Having our students involved in the process from the ELC all the way through to Year 12gave them an opportunity to create a framework that’s truly reflective of them and their needs.

The vision for our Wellbeing framework is that together we are forging a vibrant community with wellbeing at our core. We felt that starting the vision with the word “together” meant that the most important thing to us is that our community works with one another.

If we want to build strength within our community, we need to ensure that every student is seen as their own unique self. And to be your unique self, you need to explore your passions and interests much further than just the boundaries of your own cohort. To develop a community that is striving, wanting to do new things, and engaging with one another, we need to value and focus on the relationships. And that involves much more than just the walls of the classroom that we are within.

Without the capacity to look after your own wellbeing and yourself, there isn’t the capacity to then engage with and support other people. Therefore, we want to equip our community with the skills to not only look after ourselves, but to be able to navigate challenges with others as well.

We already have an incredible care system here at Ivanhoe Girls’, and the new Wellbeing Framework now provides a clearer intentionality behind that care. This will ensure that each and every one of our students has the capacity to connect, and puts a strong focus on the power of relationships. This way we can work with each other and know that not only are we looking after ourselves, but also others when they are in need.

Not every day will be an incredible day, but together we can ensure that all of those within our community are cared for, and that we can move forward together. We’re really excited because our Wellbeing Framework is so reflective of who we are, and we can’t wait to see the impact not only on our students, but the rest of the community in the years to come.

Ms Karlie Payne
Director of Student Wellbeing