Wellbeing
At Peakhurst South Public School, we believe student wellbeing is essential for learning and personal growth. Our goal is for every student to connect deeply with their learning, build positive and respectful relationships, and feel a strong sense of belonging within our school and wider community. We are committed to creating an environment where all students are respected, valued, encouraged and empowered to succeed. Through this supportive and inclusive setting, students are able to grow, flourish, and thrive both academically and personally. At the heart of our approach is a dedication to excellence in teaching and learning, alongside nurturing trusting relationships that enable every child to reach their full potential.
Connect, Succeed, Thrive in an enabling school environment
At Peakhurst South Public School, we create an environment where every student can connect, succeed and thrive. We are committed to nurturing meaningful relationships, personalised learning and a supportive community that empowers students to grow academically, socially and emotionally.
Key elements of our approach include:
- Connect: Building positive, respectful relationships that foster a strong sense of belonging, cultural identity and social-emotional skills.
- Succeed: Supporting students to achieve meaningful goals, develop resilience and confidence, and celebrate their successes in a personalised and encouraging learning environment.
- Thrive: Encouraging students to be self-directed, contribute positively to the community, and develop ethical decision-making skills within a safe, healthy and high-expectation environment.
- Enabling Environment: Valuing every student, promoting self-regulation and responsibility, partnering with families and community, and providing expert wellbeing support to ensure comprehensive student growth.
Wellbeing in action at Peakhurst South
At Peakhurst South Public School, supporting each student’s mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing is central to our daily practice. Our researched-informed programs and inclusive approach help students build resilience, confidence, self-awareness and positive relationships. By setting clear expectations, offering targeted wellbeing activities and working closely with families, we ensure every child feels supported, engaged and ready to take on new challenges at school and beyond.
Our wellbeing programs include:
Promoting and reinforcing positive student behaviour and school-wide expectations
Peakhurst South Public School uses a Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) model for establishing school-wide rules and expectations.
PBL is based on a school-wide set of expectations which apply across all environments within the whole-school community to develop a positive, safe and supportive learning environment and culture. PBL helps schools to improve social, emotional, behavioural and academic outcomes for children and young people.
When PBL is implemented well, teachers and students have more time to focus on relationships and classroom teaching. Students and staff benefit from:
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less inappropriate behaviour
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increased time focused on teaching
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improved social-emotional wellbeing
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positive and respectful relationships among students and staff
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support for teachers to teach, model and respond effectively to student needs
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a learning environment where staff and students know what behaviour is expected.
Peakhurst South Public School uses a school-based rewards system to acknowledge and celebrate positive behaviour. There are a variety of opportunities for students to receive rewards.
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'Koa Awards' - fast and frequent, catching kids in the moment
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'Peak' system
- Staff award Mini Merits to students consistently demonstrating PBL expectations.
- Once a student earns 10 Mini Merits, they progress to the next level of ‘the peak.’
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Climbing 'the peak'
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Students awarded at milestones:
Level 10 - Certificate and Badge at Assembly
Level 50 - Certificate at Assembly and Medal at Presentation Day
Level 100 - Certificate at Assembly and Trophy at Presentation Day
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Our School Wellbeing Officer, Miss Jo, plays a vital role in supporting the social, emotional and pastoral needs of our community. Miss Jo offers a compassionate, listening presence for students facing challenges such as family difficulties, loneliness, or mental health concerns, helping them navigate friendships and the complexities of growing up.
Working closely with the Learning Support Team, she leads social skills and mindfulness programs in small groups to build resilience and self-help strategies. Miss Jo is also available to support staff, parents and the broader school community, ensuring everyone feels heard, cared for and empowered.
In Term 4 2026, the Got It! program, a specialist early-intervention mental health initiative for children in Kindergarten to Year 2 is being delivered in partnership with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and the NSW Department of Education.
The program collaborates closely with our staff, families, and local service providers to support young students’ wellbeing.
Got It! enables significant improvements in children’s behaviour and parenting practices, with benefits lasting months after participation. The program also strengthens connections between schools, families and the wider community, encouraging parents to seek additional support when needed.
We understand that mental fitness is key to navigating life’s challenges and achieving wellbeing. From Term 4, 2026 we are entering into partnership with Gotcha4Life’s Mentally Fit Schools Program, committed to creating a whole-school culture that promotes social and emotional skills for students, staff and families.
This prevention-focused program equips our community with practical strategies to build emotional strength, maintain positive relationships, and seek help when needed, all essential skills for life beyond school. With expert coaching, tailored action plans and engaging workshops, Peakhurst South is working to embed mental fitness into everyday school life.
Together, we are connecting students and staff through a shared language of wellbeing, enabling confident, resilient learners who feel supported and empowered. Families are included through meaningful partnerships, with resources and guidance to reinforce mental fitness at home.
By embracing the Mentally Fit Schools approach, Peakhurst South continues to nurture a safe, caring and positive environment where everyone can grow, succeed, and be mentally strong.
Our Breakfast Club plays a vital role in supporting student wellbeing and academic success. Recognising that many students may start their day without breakfast, we provide a tasty toasty and fruit when they arrive at school each Thursday to help them be ready to learn.
A healthy breakfast boosts memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills, key factors that contribute to improved academic performance. Additionally, our reliable breakfast program supports better attendance and helps create a positive start to each student’s day, setting them up for success both in the classroom and beyond.
Need support for your child's wellbeing?
Contact us to talk about the right support for your child, or visit Our principal and staff to learn about our wellbeing and specialist support staff.
Additional learning support
Find out how we support students with disability or additional learning needs.
Our principal and staff
Get to know our principal and staff, who work together to create a positive school culture.