Student Wellbeing & Engagement

Student Engagement

At Thomastown Meadows Primary School, student wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where every child feels valued, connected and ready to learn.

Through a range of wellbeing programs, lunchtime opportunities and positive behaviour supports, we encourage students to develop confidence, resilience, social skills and a strong sense of belonging within our school community.

Wellbeing Centre

Our Wellbeing Centre provides a safe, supportive and regulated environment for students who may be experiencing barriers to engagement in learning or school participation. Grounded in inclusive education principles, the centre recognises that some students benefit from targeted environmental, sensory and relational adjustments to support their success at school.

The Wellbeing Centre supports students to develop emotional regulation skills, reduce feelings of overwhelm or disengagement, and maintain a strong sense of dignity, belonging and connection within the school community. It also assists students in building readiness to learn and supports successful transitions back into the classroom environment.

Access to the Wellbeing Centre is used as a purposeful short-term adjustment tailored to individual student needs. It is not an alternative placement or withdrawal program, but rather a supportive space that helps students build the skills and confidence needed to participate successfully in their learning and school experiences.

Lunchtime Clubs

We believe that learning extends beyond the classroom. Our lunchtime clubs provide students with valuable opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills and build friendships in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Throughout the week, students can participate in a variety of clubs including Library Club, Choir, Lego Club, Colouring Club, UNO Club and Art Club. Each club is supervised by a dedicated staff member and offers students the opportunity to try something new, express creativity or enjoy a calm and engaging space during the school day.

To ensure sessions remain enjoyable and well-managed, each club accommodates a maximum of 20 students. At the beginning of each term, a timetable is released outlining the clubs available, the days and times they run, locations and supervising staff members.

Our lunchtime clubs play an important role in promoting student wellbeing, confidence and positive peer relationships.

Breakfast Club and Family Pastoral Care Program

TMPS offers a Before and After School Family Pastoral Care Program five days a week, delivered by trusted school staff in a safe and supportive environment.

Hours Provided

Before School: 7.30am – 8.45am
After School: 3.15pm – 5.30pm

Students benefit from:

Supervision by trusted TMPS staff
Enriching and interest-based activities
Nutritious catering supported by Foodbank Victoria

This program provides families with additional support while ensuring students feel connected, engaged and cared for before and after the school day.

Play Therapy for Foundation Students

Foundation students participate in a weekly play therapy session designed to support the development of social, emotional and oral language skills through structured play experiences.

Throughout the term, students rotate through a variety of engaging activities including:

Building and construction with Lego and blocks
Creating and making with playdough
Mindful colouring and drawing
Dress-up and imaginative play
Hand-eye coordination activities using beads
Teacher-led oral language and vocabulary groups

These sessions provide students with opportunities to build communication skills, confidence, self-regulation and positive social interactions in a supportive environment.

Art Wellness Program

The Art Wellness Program is a small, supportive group designed to help students build positive friendships, strengthen social and emotional regulation skills, and express themselves creatively through art.

The program is facilitated by Ms Milly Baar and provides students with a calm, engaging and nurturing environment where they can build confidence, connection and wellbeing through creative experiences.

The program runs weekly for one hour and is available to selected Year 1 students.

Perceptual Motor Program (PMP)

Our Perceptual Motor Program (PMP) supports the development of fine and gross motor skills, including the fundamental movement skills that underpin success across many areas of learning.

Through engaging and structured activities, students develop coordination, strength, balance and body awareness, supporting both their confidence and academic growth.

The program is facilitated by Mr Ryan Schulz and runs weekly for one hour. PMP is offered to all Foundation students, as well as selected Year 1 students.