Wellbeing Education & Promotion

Cobden Technical School is committed to providing a safe, secure and stimulating learning environment for all students. We understand that students reach their full potential only when they are happy, healthy and safe, and that a positive school culture, where student participation is encouraged and valued, helps to engage students and support them in their learning. Our school acknowledges that student wellbeing and student learning outcomes are closely linked.

Bullying –We implement a variety of programs, presentations and strategies including Backflips Against Bullying, Project Rockit, Bullying No Way and the RRRR curriculum to build a positive and inclusive school culture and relationships to promote wellbeing. We strive to foster a school culture that prevents bullying behaviour by modelling, encouraging and teaching behaviour that demonstrates acceptance, kindness and respect and recognise days such as Do it for Dolly Day, Friendship Day and National Day against Bullying and Violence to support our work.

Cultural Diversity – We acknowledge Harmony Week with student lead activities to celebrate Australia's cultural diversity and promote inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone. Our English as an additional language students are supported through our EAL program in the EAL Cluster and all cultural and linguistically diverse students are supported to feel safe and included in our school.

Aboriginal learning wellbeing and safety - We ensure our school events and activities acknowledge and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture by acknowledging the Country and Traditional Owners of the land on which our school is located, Djargurd Wurrung people of the Eastern Maar Nation at the start of every school assembly and meeting. We arrange incursions and excursions and recognise key events and anniversaries that celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture including NAIDOC Week, Reconciliation Week and Koorie Career events.

Diversity and Inclusion - We provide a positive and respectful learning environment for our students who identify as LGBTIQ+ and recognise and acknowledge key days and events including IDAHOBIT and Wear it Purple Day.

Mental Health –Students complete the Teen Mental Health First Aid course at school to develop the skills they need to recognise the signs of mental health, support their peers and seek adult support when necessary. Staff complete the Youth Mental Health First Aid training to be able to recognise signs of mental health in youth and support them and refer them to access services as required. R U Ok Day is a whole school event that recognises this national day of action in Australia dedicated to reminding people to connect with others and start conversations with those who might be struggling. Activities include morning tea, hands on activities and classroom work to develop students’ skills to check in and support each other.

SunSmart Education- CTS have  developed and implement a comprehensive, evidence-informed UV protection policy to reduce UV exposure and encourage the use of all five forms of sun protection including the compulsory wearing of broad brim hats when outdoors in Terms 1 and 4. By teaching sensible sun protection habits to our students and implementing sun protection measures we recognise that we can play a significant role in reducing skin cancer risk.

Other events and initiatives that we support and acknowledge include - Daffodil Day, Movember, Big Freeze MND, World Physical Activity Day, 16 Days of Activism and Gender Based Violence, Good Friday RCH Appeal, Footy Colours Day, Jeans for Genes Day, E Safety and Safer Internet Day, Push up Challenge, World Environmental Day.

Other presentations to support wellbeing education recently have included: Ben the Bandit (Disability and Inclusion) Carmens Legacy (Road Safety) Vaping Education, Menstrual Health Education, Be Wise Pat Cronin (Say No to Violence).