Health and Wellbeing
Forrestdale values strong and harmonious relationships, understanding all members of our community have a significant role in our ongoing success at Forrestdale Primary School.
Student Services Team
At Forrestdale Primary School we work with a Student Services model to meet the diverse needs of our students.
This team includes the Principal, Associate Principal, Learning Support Coordinator, School Psychologist and School Chaplain.
Be You Community
Be You is a national initiative for educators, aimed at promoting and protecting positive mental health in children and young people. Our vision is for an education system in which every learning community is positive, inclusive and resilient, and where every child, young person, staff member, and family can achieve their best possible mental health.
Friendly Schools Plus
At Forrestdale Primary School we are implementing the Friendly Schools Plus program which acknowledges the importance of developing social and emotional skills that ensure children make ethical and constructive choices about their future wellbeing and the wellbeing of others. With over 20 years of extensive research in Australian schools, Friendly Schools is recognised nationally and internationally as one of the most comprehensive and thoroughly tested approaches to enhance student wellbeing. Friendly Schools Plus is a whole-school approach that focusses on building social skills and creating supportive environments to significantly reduce bullying in school communities.
Crunch and Sip
Participating in a daily in class Crunch&Sip break provides an opportunity for children to drink water and eat an extra serve of vegetables or fruit to support good health and to help with learning and concentration in the classroom.
Sun Aware
Our school implements a “No hat, Shade play” rule. All students are reminded to wear a bucket hat when they are outside. Schools play a crucial role in educating students about sun protection behaviour and minimising their exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, which are at their peak during school hours. This can significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer later in life.
School Chaplain
Karen Scharli | School Chaplain
Forrestdale Primary is fortunate to have a School Chaplain for two days every week funded through the National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program. Our Chaplain Karen Sharli’s role is to support the school community. Karen has worked with young people in various volunteer and paid roles throughout her career.
Karen is passionate about the care and wellbeing of young people, and is dedicated to doing what she can to support and help those in our school community who need a helping hand. She is committed to helping our students through various social and emotional problems by providing them with skills, which enable them to have a great school experience. Karen’s focus is on improving outcomes for all students, through giving them a safe place to seek adult support, and by empowering them with protective skills and behaviours so that they may thrive throughout their lives.
Karen is at Forrestdale Primary on a Tuesday and Friday each week and is excited to be a part of our school community.