Wellbeing in the Junior School
At Walford, wellbeing is the foundation for learning, belonging and growth.
Every girl is known, valued and supported as an individual. At Walford Junior School, wellbeing is not a standalone program, it is embedded in the way we teach, learn, connect and care for one another every day. We know that when a girl feels safe, connected and understood, she is better placed to learn, take appropriate risks, navigate challenges and become the best version of herself.
Our approach is both explicit and transdisciplinary. Wellbeing learning is informed by the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), including the Approaches to Learning, the Australian Curriculum and the Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum. Together, these provide important foundations for developing self-management, communication, social skills, resilience, respectful relationships and a strong sense of self.
Alongside these frameworks, teachers draw upon a range of age-appropriate resources and programs, including Grow Your Mind, Girl Wise Primary, Girl Wise Upper Primary, Keeping Safe and What’s the Buzz?. Rather than following a single program in isolation, these resources are used purposefully and responsively according to the developmental stage, needs and experiences of each cohort. This allows our wellbeing approach to remain relevant, timely and connected to the girls and their world.
We also create opportunities for our girls to build belonging and connection beyond Walford, through experiences such as the RUOK? Student-Led Summit and Anglican Schools Network Group connections. These experiences help girls recognise that wellbeing is strengthened through connection, contribution and being part of something beyond themselves.
Strong relationships sit at the heart of this approach. Classroom teachers know their students deeply and are often the first point of connection for a girl and her family. Beyond the classroom, our Head of Junior School, Cathie Egarr, and Assistant Head of Junior School (Wellbeing), Kate Fisher, take an active role in the wellbeing of our girls, providing another trusted point of connection, guidance and support.
When additional support is needed, our experienced staff work closely with students and families to ensure each girl receives the individual care and guidance she needs. Because we know our girls well, we can notice, respond and support—whether a girl needs help navigating a friendship, developing confidence, managing a challenge or accessing more targeted support.
Wellbeing is fundamental to flourishing. By embedding it throughout Junior School life, we aim to equip every girl with the confidence, self-awareness, resilience and sense of belonging she needs to thrive academically, socially and emotionally, at Walford and beyond. We are here to know her, support her and help her flourish.
