This is a summary of an article originally published in The Educator by Brett Henebery titled, 'How to Build a Whole-School Culture of Wellbeing for Staff and Students'. You can read the full article here
In the article Yvonne Lindros, ReLATE (Reframing Learning and Teaching Environments) Practice Specialist talks with Brett about the importance of creating change in the whole school community to support both student and staff wellbeing. Below Yvonne discusses a range of approaches including the ReLATE model that emphasises the need for open dialogue, authentic self-care practices, and supportive relationships among staff to create a positive and sustainable school culture.
"Encouraging open and honest communication among staff and students helps in identifying and addressing wellbeing concerns early. Early identification and intervention can significantly reduce challenging situations and proactively build supportive cultures."
ReLATE Practice Specialist, Yvonne Lindros
Foster Supportive Relationships
Building strong, supportive relationships within the school community is foundational.
Peer support programs, mentoring, coaching and collaborative projects can enhance the sense of belonging and community.
Ensuring that every student has a trusted adult to turn to can significantly improve their school experience.
Implement Trauma-Informed Practices
Adopting a trauma-informed approach is crucial. This involves recognising trauma is a human experience and identifying the impact of trauma on students and staff.
Schools should integrate practices that promote safety, trustworthiness, and empowerment. Frameworks for schools to implement such practices exist.
The ReLATE model by The MacKillop Institute serves as an example of a robust framework, focusing on reducing stress and building a supportive school culture.
Promote Open Communication
Encouraging open and honest communication among staff and students helps in identifying and addressing wellbeing concerns early.
Early identification and intervention can significantly reduce challenging situations and proactively build supportive cultures.
Regular meetings, anonymous feedback mechanisms, and an open-door policy can facilitate a culture where everyone feels heard and valued.
Prioritise Authentic Self-Care for Staff
Staff wellbeing directly impacts student wellbeing. Schools should support staff through professional development on self-care practices and school-care practices.
Provide authentic resources for mental health, and actively manage processes and procedures to foster a work-life balance.
Activities such as mindfulness sessions, physical fitness programs, and social events can significantly contribute to staff morale and health but only go so far.
While it is the educator's responsibility to enact self-care, schools have a responsibility to promote and encourage self-care strategies and to create an environment of work-life balance where individual self-care needs are openly discussed.
Integrate Wellbeing into Staff PD and the Curriculum
Embedding wellbeing into staff professional learning and practice builds educator capacity to then embed in the curriculum helping normalise conversations about mental health and personal development.
Incorporating subjects like social-emotional learning, resilience training, and stress management can equip students with essential life skills.
Create a Safe Physical Environment
The physical environment of the school plays a crucial role in the wellbeing of our community.
Ensuring that the school is safe, clean, and welcoming can reduce stress and create a conducive learning atmosphere.
Consider incorporating elements such as natural light, comfortable furniture, and quiet zones.
Engage the Community
Wellbeing extends beyond the school gates.
Engaging with parents, families, carers, local organisations, community members and the broader community can provide additional support and resources and build a sense of belonging within the school and community.
Community partnerships can offer programs and services that enhance the school’s wellbeing initiatives.
By adopting these strategies, this can assist schools to build a culture that supports the wellbeing of both staff and students, leading to a more positive, productive, and harmonious school environment.
Learn More
To learn more about Reframing Learning and Teaching Environments (ReLATE) a research and trauma-informed education model available to all schools.
Join Free ReLATE Information Session
To sign up for one of our free online information sessions which explains more about ReLATE.