Park Primary School Award-winning wellbeing program

Mooroopna Park Primary School’s unwavering commitment to improving student wellbeing grows stronger as years go by, with 2022 proving an exceptional year for recognition.

The school received the 2022 Victoria Early Years Award for Promoting Health and Wellbeing, as well as the 2022 Australian Education Award for Best Student Wellbeing Program, adding to its 2020 gong.

The Wellbeing Initiative consists of a Healthy Food program, full-time speech therapist, paediatric clinic, play therapist and school chaplain, as well as support from a number of other agencies.

The school is the only one of its kind in the Goulburn Valley to deliver students three meals a day, free-of-charge.

“We have a full-time chef who prepares breakfast, morning tea, afternoon tea and a hot lunch every day — free-of-charge for all students,” principal Hayden Beaton said.

“Students are happier, more engaged with their learning and their attendance has improved as a direct result of the Healthy Food program.”

The school runs its own veggie garden and maintains chooks as part of the program, as well as receiving generous donations from community groups.

“We have really good community relationships with groups like Lighthouse and Foodshare, as well as local orchards and bakeries who donate various produce for the program,” Mr Beaton said.

The school’s full-time speech therapist, paediatric clinic, play therapist and chaplain offer a range of dedicated specialist services to further strengthen the program and improve student wellbeing.

The school recently opened its new School Hub, which is running a weekly play group, Women’s Wellness sessions, parents’ breakfast, craft and story time and community gardening.

The school continues to offer before and after school care, as well as its own bus service to further support families.

“Each classroom at the school has a teacher aide and we have tutors providing extra support to ensure all students meet their learning goals,” Mr Beaton said.

“We also have specialist programs like PE, Art, Music including an instrumental music program and band.” On enrolment each student is allocated a Chrome book computer to use throughout their time at the school.

Parental involvement in the school is actively encouraged, and various events — including a welcome barbecue, grandparents’ day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day breakfasts — are highlights of the year.

“We like to involve our students in extracurricular activities like sport, excursions, camps, fun runs and fun dress-up days,” Mr Beaton said.

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