Mental Health in Primary Schools

MHiPS Overview

The MHiPS ModelMHWL role

The model comprises a Mental Health Wellbeing Leader (MHWL) role (an experienced educator) and an evidence-based training program.

The model has been informed by a needs analysis phase which included consultation in 331 schools across metropolitan, rural and regional Victoria and more than 1000 teacher surveys. A key strength of  the model’s design is that it builds on existing school wellbeing and mental health structures while helping the education and health sectors to work together.

The MHWL Role

The role of the MHWL is to build the capability of the whole school about mental health and wellbeing (identification, promotion and prevention), provide support to staff to better identify and support students with mental health needs, establish clear pathways for referral for students requiring assessment and intervention, and monitor and evaluate student progress.

Student Wellbeing Team at St Joseph’s Primary School:

  • Jamee Royce (Mental Health Wellbeing Leader)
  • Sarah Kidd (Student Wellbeing Officer)
  • Jenny Miralles (Child Safety Officer)
  • Kirsten Daly (Learning Adjustment Leader)

National Student Wellbeing Officer Program

The student wellbeing officers work as part of the school’s wellbeing team to improve student engagement, connectedness, and create a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. They provide pastoral care and guidance to students, support attendance and mental health, assist during difficult times such as grief, refer students to specialist services when needed, and promote values and ethical matters. Additionally, they support the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development of students while fostering an environment of cooperation and respect for diverse cultures and traditions.

Student Referrals

If you have any concerns for your child please make contact with any member of our Wellbeing Team. It may be necessary to set up counselling, testing or assessment through external professionals. They will advise what steps to take.

Whole School Approach to help understand mental health

In 2024 we launched the Grow Your Mind, a whole school approach to wellbeing program to help educate our community.

Poor mental health is a serious issue however Grow Your Mind believes that mental health education does not need to be. They use storytelling, engaging videos, podcast episodes, interactive learning activities, songs, drama, dance and reflection opportunities to shine a playful light on the importance of taking care of your mental health.

Our school values prevention and building the skills of positive mental health habits in our students. By the time our students leave our school we want them to have a tool belt of strategies they can use and practice to help them on the path of enduring good mental health.