In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, educators at Gumdale State School faced a challenge familiar to many: students struggling with resilience, self-regulation, and adapting to change. Their response? The creation of an innovative wellbeing initiative that’s now transforming their school culture.
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The GROW Well Program, launched in 2021, takes a unique approach to student wellbeing by weaving character development and positive education into the fabric of daily school life. The program’s name isn’t just clever wordplay – it represents the four cornerstone values that guide the school community: Great Learners, Respectful, Organised, and Working Together Safely.
“We’ve found that a tailored approach, focused on the unique needs of our students and staff, has made all the difference,” explains Amanda Zoppi, Deputy Principal of Gumdale State School. “Every student is different, and the GROW Well program helps them identify and develop their strengths, creating a positive ripple effect on behaviour, learning and relationships.”
What sets the program apart is its systematic approach to character development. Each term, students focus on one of the four GROW values, incorporating PERMA character strengths such as perseverance, bravery, kindness, and teamwork into their daily activities. These aren’t just abstract concepts – they’re brought to life through practical, engaging activities that resonate with students of all ages.
A recent example showcases the program’s peer-led learning approach: Grade 6 students took the lead in organising GROW Well activities for their younger schoolmates.
Through interactive games, presentations, and teamwork exercises, older students helped reinforce values like kindness and fairness, while simultaneously developing their own leadership skills. Whether through friendly games of charades or soccer matches, these activities created natural opportunities for mentoring and relationship-building across age groups.
Holly Stephenson, a Digital Technologies teacher who leads the GROW Well initiative, has witnessed its evolution firsthand. “The GROW Well program has evolved into a fully integrated, whole-school initiative since its inception,” she notes. This integration ensures that positive education isn’t just an add-on but a fundamental part of the school experience.
The results speak for themselves, with noticeable improvements in student behaviour, engagement, and overall well-being among both students and staff.
Perhaps most importantly, the GROW Well Program isn’t static. It continues to evolve and adapt, reflecting the changing needs of the Gumdale State School community. This flexibility ensures the program remains relevant and effective, creating a sustainable approach to student wellbeing that could serve as a model for other schools facing similar challenges.
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At a time when student wellbeing has never been more crucial, Gumdale State School’s innovative approach demonstrates how thoughtful, systematic programs can create lasting positive change in educational communities.
Published 25-November-2024