Student Wellbeing
A Proactive Approach
A Caring Environment to Learn and Grow
Our wellbeing initiatives are designed to nurture our students’ physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health from CEEd to Year 12. Positive wellbeing is essential to a fulfilled life. We want to equip young people with the ability to flourish, rise to life’s challenges, accomplish tasks and achieve their goals.
Our approach to wellbeing is evidence-based and encompasses the 6 Ways of Wellbeing, which focuses on active learning, giving, connecting, taking notice and caring for the planet. It is ingrained in our approach to education at all year levels. It also guides our Community, Relationships, Engagement, Wellbeing (CREW) and mentor group interactions, and the philosophy of our House System.
Counselling
Our Wellbeing Team consists of school psychologists and mental health social workers who are available on campus for all students. Our counsellors are involved in the School's Wellbeing Program and conduct regular professional learning sessions for staff.
Health Centre
Our Health Centre is staffed by two fully qualified nurses who provide medical support from 8:00am – 5:30pm. The Health Centre offers support services for students’ social, mental and emotional health.
Outdoor Education
Outdoor learning is a cornerstone of our wellbeing approach, particularly in our CEEd. Children regularly engage in dedicated experiences at our Bush Kinder site, Boron Beek Murrun.
Middle School
Students in Years 7 to 9 participate in the compulsory Outdoor Education Program. Year 7 camp helps to build belonging and connection amongst CREW groups. Year 8 involves one multi-night camp, where students work together to achieve a common goal. Year 9 has a multi-night camp where they are challenged in the outdoors in the area of rock climbing and abseiling. Year 9’s are also invited to apply to join the 15 Day Expedition, a journey that involves hiking, canoeing and mountain bike riding starting in the Victorian High country.
Senior School
In the Senior School, camps are optional and Year 10 students are encouraged to participate in the exciting Alpine Camp, a cross-country ski camp where students will sleep in tents in the snow, carry packs while on skis, undertake activities and cook meals under challenging conditions. Students will adhere to Ballarat Grammar Outdoor Education’s ‘Leave no trace’ policy, which means all waste and rubbish is carried off program. Adventure is a key pillar of the Round Square and it is encouraged that all students seek to undertake an adventurous program whilst in the senior school.
Year 11 students who have demonstrated an ability to relate well to others, as well as competence in the bush, are invited to become Outdoor Education Leaders and assist on the Middle School camps. This highly valued position gives students the opportunity to bring their leadership skills to life whilst participating in an area they love.
VCE Outdoor Education is also now being offered as a pathway and includes a range of camping opportunities as part of the curriculum.
Chapel
Participating in our fortnightly Chapel services gives students time for reflection, challenge and spiritual growth. We focus on hope, resilience and joy, guided by our Anglican values.
Pastoral care
Pastoral care is central to life at Ballarat Grammar. It underpins the strong sense of connection and belonging across our school and reflects our commitment to the wellbeing of every student. Our approach to pastoral care is grounded in our Anglican values and a deep commitment to nurturing the whole person intellectually, emotionally, physically, socially and spiritually.
Our Pastoral Care Program helps students feel known, valued and supported throughout their school journey. Our dedicated Chaplain is central to this support, providing genuine care and spiritual guidance to students across all year levels. Students attend regular chapel services, which offer opportunities for reflection, connection and spiritual growth as part of our Anglican identity.
Community, Relationships, Engagement, Wellbeing (CREW)
While developing strong links with their House, middle and senior school students’ primary care relationship is with their CREW Mentor.
Our House System
There are ten day houses and five boarding houses within our House System. Over time, the relationships within each House provide support, guidance and a genuine sense of identity for each student.
House meetings take place weekly and are an opportunity to develop vertical connections between younger and older students. Not only do these meetings provide an excellent forum for modelling and practising leadership through service, but they are also used to showcase and celebrate the diverse achievements of students within the House and to organise activities.
We see you.
We hear you.
Your wellbeing matters.
Specialist Wellbeing Support
We recognise there are times when additional support is needed.
Our wellbeing team of psychologists and mental health professionals support students with educational, emotional or social challenges through short-term intervention, assessment and counselling.
Our Health Centre is staffed by registered nurses who provide medical care and offer a calm and welcoming space for students who may need a moment of rest or reset during the day.
Acknowledgement of Country
Ballarat and Queen’s Anglican Grammar School acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we learn, live and work, the Wadawurrung People, and recognises their continuing connection to the land and waterways. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
Commitment to Child Safety
Ballarat Grammar maintains a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse and actively implements measures to identify and manage any risks of harm to students within our school environment. The care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people are central and fundamental responsibilities of the School. We are firmly committed to fostering a child-safe culture that provides an environment where students are safe and feel safe, where their participation is valued, their views respected, and their voices heard in decisions that affect their lives. Ballarat Grammar values diversity and strictly prohibits any racist or discriminatory practices. All members of our school community share the responsibility to care for children and young people by promptly raising any concerns regarding their safety, promoting their wellbeing, and protecting them from all forms of harm or abuse.
