Student Wellbeing

At Antonio Catholic School, the wellbeing of every student is a central priority. We believe that students learn best when they feel safe, connected, and supported. Our staff are deeply committed to building strong, respectful relationships and creating a culture of belonging where every child feels seen, heard and valued.

Wellbeing at Antonio is integrated across all aspects of school life and supported by a range of research-based frameworks, approaches, and targeted interventions to help students thrive both academically and personally.

Whole School Wellbeing Approach

 

Berry Street Education Model (BSEM)

Our staff are trained to implement the Berry Street Education Model to support students in developing their physical, psychological, social, and emotional capacities through structured, relational practices.

Key practices include:

  • Morning Circles to build connection and set a calm, positive tone for the day
  • “Ready to Learn Plans” and “Ready to Learn Scales” to help students understand and manage their emotions
  • Consistent routines and predictable structures to support safety and engagement
  • A focus on belonging and strong relationships to ensure every student feels connected and supported

Zones of Regulation

This whole-school framework helps students recognise and regulate their emotions in a developmentally appropriate way. Students learn to identify which “zone” they are in (Blue, Green, Yellow, Red) and use personalised strategies to return to a calm, focused state, ready for learning.

Restorative Practices

We use restorative approaches to build and repair relationships, resolve conflict, and promote a sense of responsibility and empathy. These practices help students reflect on their choices, understand the impact on others, and restore trust and connection in the classroom and playground.

CESA Classroom Pulse Check-In

Every term, students participate in the Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) Classroom Pulse Check-In, a tool that allows them to reflect on how they are feeling at school. This wellbeing data is a valuable insight into the student experience and is used by teachers and school leaders to:

  • Identify strengths and concerns across the class and year levels
  • Inform wellbeing goals, supports and strategies
  • Respond proactively to student needs and trends

 

Targeted Wellbeing Support

 

Wellbeing / Regulation Room

Our dedicated Wellbeing Room provides a calm, supportive space for students to reset, regulate, or participate in small group interventions. This space is led by a dedicated Education Support Officer (ESO) for Student Wellbeing.

The ESO provides targeted Tier 2 interventions, including:

  • BRAVE Program - supporting students with anxiety and resilience-building strategies
  • The Wellbeing Journal - promoting self-reflection, emotional awareness and a growth mindset
  • Individual and small group wellbeing support based on student needs

 

Social Connection and Belonging

 

Buddy Classes

Every class at Antonio is paired with a buddy class to encourage cross-age friendships and foster a supportive school culture. These regular interactions strengthen social and emotional learning and help build confidence and connection across year levels.

 

Healthy Eating & Positive Habits

 

We recognise that physical wellbeing supports learning and emotional health. Recess and lunch are eaten in a calm and sociable environment under teacher supervision, and healthy eating is promoted across all year levels.

  • We understand that parents do their best when preparing lunchboxes, and we encourage including whole foods such as fresh fruit, vegetables, and homemade items where possible.
  • Try to limit highly processed foods such as chips, packaged snacks, and sweet biscuits, which offer little nutritional value.
  • Be mindful of food labels - additives like preservatives and artificial colourings can sometimes affect children’s concentration, learning, or comfort.
  • Soft drinks are not allowed at school.
  • We encourage students to bring water in a drink bottle each day. Staying well-hydrated supports focus, wellbeing, and learning

 

If you have any questions about student wellbeing at Antonio, we warmly invite you to speak with our staff. Together, we can ensure every child is supported to grow, learn and flourish.

 

Acknowledgement of Country

We would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land and pay our respects to the elders both past, present and future for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hope of their people

ABTSI

CESA

CESA