At Our Lady of Good Counsel School, we believe student wellbeing and learning work together
Below is a summary of the many wellbeing programs that we offer at OLGC.
At Our Lady of Good Counsel, Forestville, we are deeply committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of every student. Our whole-school approach includes a wide range of evidence-based programs and initiatives designed to build resilience, foster emotional intelligence, and create a safe, supportive learning environment.
We are proud to be a Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) school, where we explicitly teach and reinforce positive behaviours that align with our school values. This framework supports a consistent, respectful, and inclusive environment where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.
Wellbeing is also woven into our Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) syllabus and Religious Education units. These curriculum areas provide opportunities for students to explore topics such as identity, relationships, emotional regulation, and moral decision-making, all of which contribute to their overall wellbeing.
Throughout the year, we also recognise and promote important awareness days such as Cyber Safety Day, R U OK? Day, and Anti-Bullying Week. These events are supported by classroom activities and discussions that help students develop empathy, digital responsibility, and the confidence to seek help when needed.
Open Parachute
Students engage with the Open Parachute program, which delivers age-appropriate lessons focused on mental health and emotional wellbeing. These lessons help students develop practical skills to manage stress, build self-awareness, and navigate life’s challenges. The program is based on trusted psychological approaches and includes resources for educators, students, and families. Parents and carers are invited to access free videos and fact sheets to support their child’s wellbeing journey at home.
Below is also some more information on the program
- Open Parachute was created in partnership with The Sebastian Foundation, formed in 2013 by Jules and Guy Sebastian to support the mental health of all young Australians.
- The mission is to create generational change by teaching practical mental health skills to students.
- Lessons focus on prevention, giving students an opportunity to practice skills for addressing any current or future challenges that might impact their mental health.
- Comes from a trauma informed perspective, incorporating evidence-based clinical psychological frameworks inclusive of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), narrative therapy (NT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR);
- Student resources – targeted grade-based lessons in line with state and federal curriculum, videos, worksheets, pre and post data collection measures and is a longitudinal K-12 program which wallows for the reinforcement and development of skills.
Peer Support Australia
Our Peer Support program encourages positive relationships and leadership through structured, peer-led sessions. Year 6 students are trained to guide younger peers in activities that promote empathy, cooperation, and problem-solving. This cross-age mentoring strengthens school connectedness and fosters a culture of respect and inclusion. The program is flexible and tailored to meet the needs of our students each year.
Seasons for Growth
Seasons for Growth is a small-group program that supports students in understanding and managing experiences of change, loss, and grief. Using the metaphor of the seasons, students explore emotions and develop skills in communication, decision-making, and emotional literacy. Facilitated by trained staff, the program provides a safe space for reflection and peer support, helping students build resilience and hope.
Restorative Practices
Restorative practices are embedded in our school culture to promote empathy, accountability, and healing. When conflict arises, students are encouraged to reflect on their actions, understand the impact on others, and work towards restoring relationships. This approach helps create a respectful and inclusive environment where every student feels heard and valued.
Healthy Harold – Life Education
All students from Kindergarten to Year 6 participate in Life Education’s Healthy Harold program. Through interactive and age-appropriate lessons, students learn about health, safety, respectful relationships, and emotional wellbeing. Healthy Harold is a much-loved part of our wellbeing curriculum and continues to receive positive feedback from students and families.
Wellbeing Week
Each term, OLGC celebrates Wellbeing Week – a time dedicated to nurturing the mental, emotional, and social wellbeing of our school community. These weeks include a variety of engaging activities such as Open Parachute brain breaks, Peer Support sessions, mindful drawing, class yoga, and midday meditation. Themed days like Fancy Hat Monday and Wear Your Beanie Day add a sense of fun and inclusivity, while shared experiences like wellbeing prayers foster connection and reflection.