Student Wellbeing Forum
More than 45 educators, wellbeing professionals and school leaders gathered at Mount Waverley Secondary College on 12 June for the college’s second annual Student Wellbeing Forum, centred on the theme “Fostering a Safe and Inclusive School Environment.” The event provided a valuable opportunity for participants to explore emerging approaches, practical strategies and innovative programs designed to enhance student wellbeing.
Hosted by Mount Waverley Secondary College, the forum brought together a diverse range of speakers and practitioners working at the forefront of student wellbeing. The day commenced with a welcome from Student Support and Resources Manager Paul Graham, alongside representatives from Toolbox Education and Cheltenham Secondary College, setting the tone for a day focused on collaboration, innovation and shared learning.
A recurring theme throughout the day was the importance of creating opportunities for wellbeing staff to pause, reflect and connect with colleagues facing similar challenges. Participants consistently highlighted the value of networking with educators from other schools, sharing ideas, learning from successful programs, and gaining fresh perspectives on supporting young people.
One of the keynote presentations explored the important topic of co-regulating student emotions, highlighting practical strategies educators can use to support students in managing stress, anxiety and emotional dysregulation within school settings. Participants also heard about the latest research and effective approaches to preventing, reducing and resolving bullying, reinforcing the critical role schools play in creating safe learning environments for all students.
A strong focus of the forum was student agency and engagement. Sessions challenged educators to consider how schools can better empower young people to shape their own educational journeys and develop a stronger sense of belonging and purpose. Presenters shared evidence-informed approaches that place student voice at the centre of wellbeing initiatives, with many attendees commenting on the practical nature of the presentations and the clear examples provided for implementation within their own schools.
Attendees were also introduced to a range of specialised wellbeing interventions being implemented within schools. Mount Waverley Secondary College’s Inclusive Education and Wellbeing Specialist, Mr Jack Metcalfe, showcased the benefits of LEGO Therapy, demonstrating how structured collaborative play can support social communication, teamwork and relationship-building among students. The session generated considerable interest, with many participants identifying LEGO Therapy as an approach they were eager to explore further within their own settings.
In the afternoon, participants explored the growing role of Music Therapy in educational settings, with Mount Waverley Secondary College Music Therapist Ms Xin Yi Lee providing insights into how therapeutic music interventions can support emotional regulation, engagement and student wellbeing outcomes. Alongside other presentations, the session highlighted the growing range of therapeutic options available to schools seeking to meet the diverse needs of students.
The forum concluded with an interactive think tank session featuring anxiety expert Dr Jodi Richardson, providing attendees with an opportunity to reflect on the day’s learning, share challenges and explore future directions for student wellbeing practice. The think tank was frequently identified as one of the highlights of the day, encouraging meaningful discussion and collective problem-solving among participants.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with participants praising the diversity of speakers, the relevance of the topics and the opportunity to hear directly about programs being implemented in schools. Many attendees reported leaving with practical ideas, resources and strategies they could immediately apply within their own wellbeing programs. Others reflected on the forum’s value as a professional learning opportunity that not only inspired new initiatives but also provided a chance to measure progress and reflect on the growth of wellbeing practices over the past year.
For some participants, this was their second year attending the forum, with many commenting on the continued quality of presentations and the growing strength of the wellbeing network being developed through the event. First-time attendees similarly described the experience as informative, engaging and highly relevant to their roles.
Following the success of this year’s event, Mount Waverley Secondary College hopes to continue growing the Student Wellbeing Forum as a leading opportunity for educators to collaborate, innovate and strengthen student wellbeing outcomes across the education sector. The strong attendance, active participation and positive feedback demonstrated a shared commitment among schools to creating safe, inclusive and supportive environments where all young people can thrive.
Mr Paul Graham
Student Support and Resources Manager