Yarra Primary School adopts a strengths-based approach.  A strength-based approach is a way of working that focuses on abilities, knowledge and capacities rather than deficits, or things that are lacking. We apply VIA Character Strengths, Lea Waters’ Visible Wellbeing program as well as Respectful Relationships and the Berry Street Positive Education Model. We apply this across the whole-school. 

Based on the science of Positive Psychology, the approach provides both staff and students with a toolkit of strategies to support wellbeing.

Goals include:

• Foster student agency.
• Provide students and staff with coping mechanisms to deal with the inevitable strains and stressors of life.
• Help students and staff manage emotions.
• Strengthen relationships and enhance communication skills.
• Build ‘wellbeing literacy’ - strengths, gratitude and mindfulness
• Create a common language around wellbeing, integrating practices across all areas of the school.