Wellbeing and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) at Clairvaux

At Clairvaux, we are deeply committed to nurturing the wellbeing of every student—spiritually, socially, emotionally, and academically. Grounded in our Catholic values and 9 Touchstones, our wellbeing approach is guided by respect, inclusivity, and a belief in the dignity of each child. We understand that learning and wellbeing are interconnected, and we strive to create a school environment where every student feels safe, valued, and supported to flourish.

Our SEL Curriculum

Our Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum incorporates the Respectful Relationships initiative, Cyber Safety education, mental health literacy, and a variety of tailored programs to meet the needs of each year level. These programs empower students to build healthy relationships, develop empathy, and make safe, responsible choices online and offline. Through explicit teaching, students learn to identify emotions, resolve conflict, show respect, and act with kindness and responsibility.

Programs include:

• Social Explorers, Social Stencil, and Michelle Mitchell programs – supporting friendship skills, resilience, and positive communication.
• Kimochies (Prep) – introducing emotional literacy and self-awareness.
• Peaceful Kids – small group mindfulness sessions to regulate emotions.
• Respectful Relationships P–6 – promoting empathy, respect, and social problem-solving.
• Cyber Safety initiatives – termly incursions and parent workshops with Inform and Empower, , and support from Leading Senior Constables.
• Year 6–Prep Buddies – fostering leadership, connection, and care across year levels.

Our 9 Touchstones provide a shared language and framework for values-based learning and living, helping students connect wellbeing with everyday choices and actions.

Supporting Every Child

At Clairvaux, we recognise that every child is unique, with individual strengths and learning needs. We are committed to supporting all children with the adjustments they require to access learning and participate fully in school life. Our staff work closely with families, allied health professionals, and Catholic Education staff to design and implement appropriate supports that foster success and belonging.

Open communication and genuine partnerships with families ensure that together we can provide the very best for each child within the resources and supports available to our school.

Behaviour and Belonging

We have an explicit Behaviour Management Program that promotes safety and fairness by making expectations clear and consistent across the school. Positive behaviour is recognised through House Points and Term Awards, reinforcing our shared responsibility to care for ourselves, others, and our environment.

Additional initiatives include:

• Big 5 Positive Behaviour Management – supporting a consistent approach across the school.
• Student Transition Programs – assisting students at key transition points to feel confident and secure.

Wellbeing Support

Our dedicated School Counsellor provides short-term individual support (up to one term, subject to waitlist) and runs targeted group programs supporting students experiencing anxiety, grief, or life changes. Our Mental Health Leader works to strengthen mental health literacy across the school and parent community, ensuring our wellbeing practices are informed, inclusive, and proactive.

And of course, our Wellbeing Dog, Minty, brings joy and calm to our classrooms, helping students regulate emotions and connect through positive interactions.

Mindfulness and Calm Spaces

• Take a Breather – Chime Time: After each playtime, students take two minutes for a school-wide mindfulness practice. Gentle music plays as students and staff sit quietly, breathe deeply, and refocus—supporting emotional regulation and attention.
• Quiet Play: For students preferring a calmer lunchtime, Quiet Play in the Foley Centre offers activities such as drawing, building, or quiet games in a relaxed environment.

Mental Health Promotion

We provide ongoing mental health support and literacy through:

• Targeted SEL group programs – Peaceful Kids, Social Stencil, Seasons.
• Emotional literacy focus – building skills to identify, express, and manage emotions.
• Mental Health newsletters – supporting parents and carers in fostering wellbeing at home.
• Wellbeing Core Teams – including the NCCD team, Wellbeing Support Team, and Respectful Relationships Team.

Camps and Experiential Learning

Clairvaux offers overnight camps to promote independence, resilience, and social bonding:

• Year 5: 1 night
• Year 6: 2 nights

Lunchtime and Enrichment Programs

Students have access to a range of enrichment and social development opportunities:

• Clubs and activities: Futsal, Choir, Pokemon Club, Drawing Club, Yoga, Coding Club, Mindfulness
• SEL-focused small groups: supporting leadership, teamwork, and resilience

At Clairvaux, our wellbeing framework ensures every child feels known, cared for, and empowered to grow. By working together with families, we continue to build a connected, compassionate community where all children can thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

eXcel: Wellbeing for learning in Catholic School Communities

Catholic Education Melbourne developed this framework as a guide for curriculum and practice to enhance the Well-being of school communities. It is inspired by the gospel and is informed by a holistic understanding of Well-being. eXcel considers the dimensions of learning environments and recognises that when these environments are purposeful and meaningful then well-being will be enabled.

At Clairvaux we endeavour to continually improve the way we create safe, inclusive environments where our students, staff and families feel connected and engaged so that learning and Well-being may be optimised.

For the full eXcel document please click here.