For several years, Great Ryrie Primary School has been an active participant in the Living Ripples process, recognising early on the unique value of the insights it provides. Each year, the school uses the data to shape its Wellbeing Action Plan, ensuring decisions are informed by the lived experiences of students.
“The consistency and depth of information make the Living Ripples survey an invaluable tool in our ongoing commitment to student wellbeing,” the school shared. The data supports evidence-based action at every level – from whole-school initiatives to targeted interventions led by the wellbeing team.
Survey results give the school a clear picture of current priorities, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement. When data indicates a decline in students’ sense of connectedness, the school responds with targeted programs to strengthen belonging. Conversely, when results show improvement in areas such as peer support, those successes are celebrated and built upon. This proactive, data-driven approach enables the school to align wellbeing priorities with real-time student feedback.
Living Ripples aligns closely with Great Ryrie Primary’s core values – Respectful, Responsible, and Learner. Listening to student perspectives reflects respect for their voices, while using data to guide action supports responsible and informed decision-making. By applying these insights to teaching and wellbeing practices, the school continues to foster a culture of learning and growth.
A key strategic goal is to strengthen staff capacity to respond to both learning and wellbeing needs. The Living Ripples data helps guide professional development and resource allocation, ensuring support is targeted where it’s needed most.
At the heart of Great Ryrie Primary’s approach is a commitment to fostering resilience, empowerment, and belonging among students. The school aims for every child to feel safe, supported, and proud of who they are.
This holistic vision extends across the entire school community, aims to create a school environment where wellbeing is embedded in everyday practice. Leaders and teachers implement initiatives that extend beyond academic outcomes, while modelling consistent routines and positive behaviour strategies. The school aims for every student to feel safe, supported, and engaged in an inclusive school culture. By identifying at-risk students early, they can provide timely and targeted support where it’s needed most. The Living Ripples process plays a key role in helping the school track progress and remain accountable to its wellbeing goals.
One of the most powerful aspects of Living Ripples at Great Ryrie Primary is how the school engages students with the data. Each year, key findings are shared with Student Action Teams, who design and lead initiatives in response to what they see.
In one instance, a team identified that some boys were struggling with belonging and created a weekly lunchtime group to build connection and inclusivity. The initiative not only addressed a genuine issue highlighted by the data but also gave students ownership in shaping a positive school culture.
As the school reflects, “Living Ripples doesn’t stand alone – it strengthens what we already do. The survey provides feedback that helps us evaluate, adapt, and grow our programs year after year.”
