This month, we’re celebrating schools that are turning wellbeing insights into meaningful action. Read how Catholic Regional College Sydenham used survey data to drive practical changes for students, explore tips for building a sustainable whole-school wellbeing strategy, and learn about opportunities to connect with peers through the Education Equity Alliance’s inaugural Gathering. You’ll also find information on the Student Wellbeing Action Grant (SWAG), upcoming SWAP check-ins, our featured provider the MacKillop Institute, and resources to support staff and school leaders on their Living Ripples journey.
Beyond the survey: How Catholic Regional College Sydenham Transformed Data into Meaningful Change
When Catholic Regional College Sydenham first connected with Living Ripples through Brimbank City Council, the school had already been using the Resilient Youth Survey. What Living Ripples offered was something different: not just data, but a clear and supported process to turn that data into action.
Shane Hart, Assistant Principal, describes the process as practical and easy to follow. “Previously, we would look at the results and identify a few small actionable items,” he explains. “Living Ripples helped us go deeper. It supported us to interpret the data properly and develop a structured plan, particularly within our pastoral care program.”
The Year 11 and 12 cohort became an early focus. With senior students already having established friendship groups, building new connections can be challenging. Survey data highlighted a lack of engagement, particularly among male students, and a decline in extracurricular participation.
Rather than responding with broad wellbeing initiatives, the school used the data to guide targeted changes. Pastoral care was restructured, and additional extracurricular sessions were introduced into the fortnightly program. This year, the college will implement three dedicated extracurricular sessions annually based purely on student feedback through the survey.
Practical, collaborative and sustainable: how Australian schools can build a whole‑school wellbeing strategy
Balancing practicality with ambition is key to creating an effective wellbeing strategy in schools. Start by breaking down big goals into smaller steps. Focus on long-term change by introducing new support services gradually. Collaboration with staff, students, and the community is vital, as it enriches the strategy and provides additional resources. Ensure sustainability by using data to adapt and refine your approach over time, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Embrace these strategies to build a nurturing school environment.
Join us on EEA first annual gathering this July!
Hosted by EEA’s The Collective and co-led by its intergenerational Leadership Council, The Gathering brings together low-SES schools and organisations committed to progressing education equity.
The Gathering will focus on three priority areas for improved equity that The Collective has been pursuing over the past 12 months. This is your chance to add your voice, shape next steps, and take practical insights back to your community.
The three priority areas:
A shared, practical vision of education equity – Workshop the current challenges, future vision and the key transition actions needed across the system.
Better coordination of supports for low-SES schools – Map what’s working now, understand partnership gaps and plan for strong collaboration across the sector.
Strengthening student-teacher relationships – A student- and teacher-led session exploring the conditions shaping these relationships, and what must change to keep them at the centre of our work.
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 Adelaide University 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.
Meet Living Ripples provider: MacKillop Institute
The MacKillop Institute, part of MacKillop Family Services, delivers evidence-based programs that support organisations and schools to improve the lives of children and young people — and strengthen the capacity and wellbeing of the frontline staff who care for them.
The MacKillop Institute has a strong focus on preventing harm and promoting healing. Established in 2019, The MacKillop Institute draws on over three decades of frontline experience, the expertise and practice of their staff and academic input from university partnerships. This real-world foundation from thousands of staff working across organisations, care, schools, clinical and outreach settings, combined with robust evidence-base and evaluations has led to the development of their trauma-informed professional learning programs, training and consultancy services. This includes their models ReLATE and Power to Kids, that embed sustainable, impactful approaches that foster safety, healing, and well-being.
Supporting healthy sleep habits and navigating screen time
The wellbeing of children and young people extends well beyond the classroom. Two areas that significantly impact student health, learning, and behaviour are sleep and screen-based gaming — and the good news is, there are some fantastic free and evidence-based resources available to help schools, educators, and families take action.
