Josh Bull today announced that Diggers Rest Primary, Goonawarra Primary, Kismet Park Primary, Sunbury Heights Primary and the Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School had all successfully received funding under a new grants program that will measure and strengthen student resilience.

Mr. Bull said the approach will include the use of a specialist survey and is based on compelling international research and evidence linking strong resilience to improved academic outcomes.

Based on the findings of each survey, schools will be supported in the development of evidence-based approaches to help build student resilience and wellbeing.
Tailored professional learning opportunities will also be available to teaching staff.

Schools were selected for funding based on their capacity to deliver a whole-of-school approach to student and staff wellbeing, the level of need among their student population and their ability to support ongoing and sustainable improvements beyond the life of the grant program. Support will be provided to schools to help measure the effectiveness of their strategies and interventions in a year’s time.

Josh today congratulated all five Schools on taking the initiative to help build more inclusive and supportive learning environments.
A complete list of successful schools can be found at: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/resilience

Quotes attributable to Member for Sunbury, Josh Bull:

“There is extensive research proving that higher resilience leads to better educational and social outcomes so targeted, grass-roots projects such as these are vital for helping our students achieve their best at school.”

“This initiative will help these Sunbury Schools identify specific issues within their student populations and provide teachers with tailored professional learning opportunities to help address them.”

“Building Resilience in School Communities grants will help schools boost students’ optimism, confidence, and social and emotional skills and create safer, more supportive school communities.”