Thank you for being part of the Living Ripples community this year. Your work has genuinely shaped the experience of students, teachers and families, and we’re grateful for everything you’ve contributed.

In this issue, you’ll find a recap of the second SWAP meeting to help you prepare for next year’s survey, a look at the latest State of Australia’s Children report to support your wellbeing planning, and an introduction to our provider, The Flourish Movement, who can help you start the new year with a clear mind and strong leadership foundations.

Wishing you a safe, restful break. We’re looking forward to reconnecting in the new year.

Living Ripples Growing Impact

What schools value most about Living Ripples

We have spoken with schools that have taken part in Living Ripples and reflected on their wellbeing journey. They identified four key benefits they gained through the process:

Building Resilience at Heathmont East Primary School

At the beginning of last year, Heathmont East Primary School joined the Living Ripples network, already familiar with the program through their own research. Endorsed by the school leadership, they began the process of listening to student voices and turning the findings into action.

The first student survey brought some surprising insights. While behavioural outbursts were relatively low, the data highlighted more internalised struggles – particularly around depression levels and hopefulness among Year 3 girls. The leadership team, together with wellbeing leader Kim Holmes, quickly developed an action plan to respond.

Read the full case study to learn what initiatives Heathmont East Primary School have implemented to improve the wellbeing and resilience within their school community.

Living Ripples Joins the Education Equity Alliance

Living Ripples is proud to be a member of the Education Equity Alliance (EEA), a not-for-profit organisation led by educators, with a mission to activate students and teachers as partners in driving system change for education equity.

In 2026, EEA’s School Network, in collaboration with Dr Simon Breakspear, will host a full-day workshop designed to empower educational leaders working in low-SES school communities. The session will focus on:

• Building collaboration and consistency – strengthening improvement teams and staff through shared routines and practical tools

• Sharpening improvement focus – identifying the next measurable step in implementing school priorities to drive meaningful progress

• Monitoring and adapting – using simple, lean tracking methods to reflect, learn, and course-correct in real time

• Sustaining momentum – developing a shared narrative for change to maintain engagement across the school community

It’s Time for Your Next Living Ripples Check-in!

We’re excited to invite your school to book your second SWAP check-in meeting with your Living Ripples facilitator. This session is designed to help you deepen your wellbeing journey and celebrate the progress you’ve already made.

During this check-in, you’ll have the chance to:

• Review your progress and plan the next steps to further support your students.

• Review results from your Student Wellbeing Audit Tool (SWAT).

To prepare, please ensure your leadership team and staff complete the SWAT survey – a quick 15-question tool developed by the University of Adelaide and Resilient Youth Australia. Book your check-in session by contacting your SWAP facilitator.

Access details:
• URL: https://lr.resilientyouth.org/
• Survey code: Available in your school’s Smartsheet. 

The State of Australia’s Children Report by UNICEF

What are children and young people telling us about the future?

• School engagement is showing declines, with attendance having dropped to 88.3%

• One in five young adults report high psychological distress

• 79% children aged 12 to 17 years old said family makes them feel happy

• 81% feel safe at school “all or most” of the time

Meet Living Ripples provider: The Flourish Movement

Burnout and Secondary Traumatic Stress are rising across the education sector. Investing in leader and staff wellbeing fosters a healthier school culture, improves retention, and enhances student outcomes. Participants report a 19.2% reduction in stress and a 9.1% increase in job satisfaction after completing the program.

The Flourish Movement Package is a special offer exclusively for Living Ripples schools, combining two evidence-informed wellbeing programs:

• The Flourish Movement for school leaders:

  This program strengthens sustainable leadership practices by enhancing capability, reducing stress, and prioritising personal wellbeing. Independent evaluation by Deakin University shows significant positive outcomes for participating leaders

• Flourish for Schools for whole-staff wellbeing:

  It supports staff to build resilience, reduce burnout, and contribute to a positive, collaborative school culture.