Whole-School Wellbeing


It is important to take a coordinated whole-school approach when supporting students, staff and parents/carers and when engaging with and utilising the resources provided on this portal.

The Australian Government has provided funding for Beyond Blue's Be You Bushfire Resource Pack and Emerging Minds Community Trauma Toolkit to support schools to prepare for respond to the bushfire crisis. To support independent schools, AISNSW consultants are available to assist schools to implement these resources. This support is flexible in nature –phone, email, zoom meeting and via individual school request. Please refer to the key contacts section for further information.

The Australian Government has provided funding to Beyond Blue for an additional 25 liaison officers and clinicians to work with schools and early childhood services in bushfire affected communities.

Be You has provided updated information related to their Bushfire Response Program as well as additional Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) in Local Government Areas (LGAs) who collaborate with AISNSW to meet the needs of independent schools across NSW. These CLOs can provide short school-based no-cost workshops for school leaders and staff relating to staff wellbeing and trauma-informed classroom practice. Be You CLO’s can be accessed via the following document and provide a range of supports. Contact AISNSW Wellbeing Consultants for more details.

Supporting Yourself

Resources in this section encourage school staff to support their own wellbeing and provide a range of resources to plan for a whole-school coordinated approach when supporting colleagues, students, parents and carers.

Whilst supporting students and families, it is important for educators and school staff to look after themselves, particularly those who may be directly affected.

Many schools offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to their employees which can provide emotional, mental and general psychological support in a variety of forms. Staff should discuss access to this program with their school.


Australian Psychological Society

Supporting Students

Resources in this section will enable school staff to build capacity and understanding when preparing and supporting students impacted by emergencies.

One of the most important things school staff can do is to care for students, recognise any changes to behaviour and emotions and if impacted, support students get back to their normal routine, where possible. This creates predictability to help students to feel safe and contained. The Emerging Minds Toolkit includes tips for educators to create a safe space in the classroom and school environment.

In addition, Be You resources related to trauma-informed practice can support your whole-school approach and to be responsive to student needs.


Supporting Parents and Carers

Resources in this section will enable school staff to build capacity and understanding when supporting parents and carers with students at school impacted by emergencies.


Primary Resources

These resources for use with primary school students are designed to be used in preparation for, immediately after and when recovering from an emergency. Schools are encouraged to take a strengths-based and coordinated approach in line with their own schools’ ethos when engaging with resources and classroom discussions.

One of the most important things school staff can do is support students with routine, where possible. This creates predictability to help students to feel safe and contained. The Emerging Minds Toolkit includes tips for educators to create a safe space in the classroom and school environment as well as the most appropriate time to introduce content related to natural disasters e.g. immediately (0-4 weeks), short-term (1-4 months), long-term (after 4 months) and ongoing in the case of drought and bushfires


Australian Institute of Sport
NSW Rural Fire Service
ABC Education
  • Science and Geography Resources - The topic Bushfires features ABC educational resources and supports the teaching of Science and Geography. NB: linked to ACARA curriculum not NSW. Not for use immediately after a bushfire emergency.
Phoenix Australia
  • Joel and the Storm – an evidence-supported storybook to help children understand trauma and recover from natural disasters
Queensland Health
Sports Clearing House
Tennis Australia
The Red Cross

Secondary Resources

These resources for use with primary school students are designed to be used in preparation for, immediately after and when recovering from an emergency. Schools are encouraged to take a strengths-based and coordinated approach in line with their own schools’ ethos when engaging with resources and classroom discussions.

One of the most important things school staff can do is support students with routine, where possible. This creates predictability to help students to feel safe and contained. The Emerging Minds Toolkit includes tips for educators to create a safe space in the classroom and school environment as well as the most appropriate time to introduce content related to natural disasters e.g. immediately (0-4 weeks), short-term (1-4 months), long-term (after 4 months) and ongoing in the case of drought and bushfires


Students with Diverse Needs Resources

These resources for use with students with diverse needs are designed to be used in preparation for, immediately after and when recovering from an emergency. Schools are encouraged to take a strengths-based and coordinated approach in line with their own schools’ ethos when engaging with resources and classroom discussions.

AISNSW can provide additional support for individual student plans and when supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Please refer to the key contacts page.


Research and Articles

Further research, evidence-based approaches and articles related to emergency preparedness and management.

BeyondBlue
Australian Institute of Family Studies
Office of the eSafety Commissioner
Queensland Health