Positive Behaviours and Wellbeing

At Prahran High School, we believe that “happy kids learn more”.

Prahran High School has developed a range of strategies to promote student engagement, positive behaviours and respectful relationships for all members of our school community. We understand that some students need extra social, emotional or educational support at school, and that the needs of students will change over time as they grow and learn. We also understand that prioritising the development of mutually respectful, kind and authentic relationships is the foundation from which all else grows.

We work collaboratively with students and families/parents/carers to establish fair and respectful behaviour policies and practices, based on the Prahran High School values, expected social competencies and positive peer relationships. There are also intervention strategies in place to address inappropriate behaviours which can negatively impact on the learning environment of the self and others.

We are committed to a school climate of genuine positive wellbeing for all, as we know that we achieve better results when we feel welcomed, supported, safe and cared about.

At Prahran High School, we hold a deep belief in the inextricable link between student wellbeing and academic performance. We know that when our students feel supported, respected, and connected, they are best placed to engage fully in their learning and achieve at the highest levels.

For us, wellbeing is not an add-on or an optional program—it is a central pillar of our educational strategy. A focus on wellbeing is a focus also on performance. To achieve real and lasting impact, we have committed to a structured, evidence-based approach. This ensures that wellbeing is consistently prioritised, clearly understood, and embedded across every layer of our school culture, maximising its positive effect on student learning and achievement.

The Connection Between Wellbeing and Learning at PHS

Wellbeing at Prahran High encompasses physical, emotional, social, and mental health, all of which directly influence how our students engage with their learning. We know that students who feel safe, respected, and valued in our community are more motivated, resilient, and ready to learn.

At PHS, we recognise that understanding this connection is only the beginning. The real work lies in turning insight into practice. That is why we have embedded structured, evidence-based strategies that translate research into meaningful and measurable outcomes for our students.

Why Structure Matters at PHS

Our approach to wellbeing at Prahran High is deliberate and purposeful. We move beyond one-off programs. Instead, we embed wellbeing into the systems, routines, and practices of our school.

Central to this structure are our Mentor Teachers and Mentor Groups, who provide every student with a trusted adult and a small peer group they meet with regularly. Mentor Teachers know their students well and serve as the first point of contact for families, ensuring that care and academic progress are linked.

We also encourage students to engage in clubs and activities that celebrate diversity and foster belonging. Initiatives such as our Culture Club and the Rainbow Room give students opportunities to connect around shared identity, creativity, and community. These Clubs create visibility, voice, and pride, all of which are essential for wellbeing and confidence.

 

Our Positive Behaviour Expectations

PHS is an inclusive school. We’re proud of our commitment to valuing the diverse needs, thoughts and experiences of the young people in our care.

Our Stuctured Approach - An Evidence Based Model

Our structured approach is supported by a dedicated team of wellbeing professionals, including counsellors, youth workers and specialist learning support staff who provide targeted support when needed. Their expertise ensures that students experiencing challenges are not only cared for but also equipped with strategies to re-engage in learning. This integrated model allows us to connect our universal best practice approaches with tailored interventions for those requiring more intensive support.

Structure brings clarity. It sets shared expectations, defines roles, and aligns strategies so that every member of our school community understands their contribution to supporting student wellbeing. It also allows us to monitor progress, evaluate impact, and adjust where needed, ensuring our practices remain responsive and effective.

At Prahran High, our structured, evidence-based approach ensures that wellbeing and academic excellence are not competing priorities but mutually reinforcing drivers of success.

Our Wellbeing Model