THE mental health and wellbeing of students at Yanco Public School is one of many top priorities.
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To ensure students are feeling well in this area, the school has introduced a special wellbeing program.
This initiative aims to assist new students to the school, who may need a little support in building social connections with their peers.
Classroom teachers select students each week to participate in the sessions on a needs basis.
The idea is to also insert some fun and laughter into school life.
Yanco Public students from kindergarten to year six have the opportunity to participate in fun, creative and social activities outside the classroom setting.
Students participate in small mixed age groups learning a range of skills in craft, food preparation, gardening and games with Brooke Williams.
"The mental health and wellbeing of our students is a high priority and we strive to ensure our learning environment is fun and engaging," Yanco Public principal Tarnya Grigg said.
"Our students have really loved the opportunity to get out of the classroom and enjoy fun and creative activities."
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The NSW Department of Education works with mental health organisations here in Australia and internationally.
Its focus is on prevention and early intervention.
Many of these organisations also provide specific programs that build the skills and mental health literacy of teachers, leaders, specialist staff, and parents and carers.
This enables them to recognise and effectively respond to children and young people who need help with their mental health.
Mrs Grigg said the wellbeing program was achieving its goals.
"As you can see from the creations and smiling faces it is a very successful program establishing and reinforcing life skills, social emotional development and a fun and engaging learning environment," she said.
"There are many advantages to enrolling in a small school, one being the friendships that form across the kindergarten to year six student group.
"It is always really encouraging to see our younger students learning from their older peers."