Whole School Matters draft manuscript
Community Matters draft manuscript
Getting Started on The Whole School Approach
MindMatters Recognition and Overview
Recognition as a MindMatters School
Recognition event 2011
Recognition event 2010
MindMatters Planning Tools
School Audits and Surveys
Curriculum Links
Community Partnerships
Whole Student Approach
Student Empowerment
School Stories

Robert Townson High School, NSW

The inaugural MindMatters Recognition event was held on Thursday 4 November 2010 in Canberra. Robert Townson High School was one of sixteen schools and colleges acknowledged as leaders in MindMatters implementation during the past 5–7 years. This is their school story.

RE 2010_RobertTownsonHSDescription of school:

Robert Townson High School was established in 1987 in Campbelltown, south-western Sydney. The 897 students come from the culturally diverse communities of Raby and St Andrews.

The school is all about individual excellence. It aims to develop personal potential and encourage pride in achievement.

Why was MindMatters introduced into the school:

At a MindMatters Level Two Planning Workshop, the Core Team identified staff wellbeing as an important focus for action. Improvements were sought in staff cohesion, connection and mental health.

The school has had to adapt to rapid social change resulting from a changing local community. Staff members have faced challenges in developing school pride and enhancing positive relationships while managing their own wellbeing. Several initiatives resulted.

How is MindMatters used within the school:

Professional development for staff has included workshops in Mental Health First Aid, MindMatters, Staff Matters, Beyond Blue, Response Ability, Seasons for Growth and Career Pathway mapping.

The Teachers in Transitions Program focuses on support for early career teachers, teachers nearing retirement and teachers with personal issues. The Core Team uses a Working Staff Welfare Model based on a Life Stages approach to encourage staff to take responsibility for their own wellbeing. Building capacity and leadership within the Middle School has worked from the ground up, encouraging individual and team goal setting, structured career development and recognition of individual strengths.

Strong connections with local counselling agencies, including the Australian General Practice Network and Employee Assistance Scheme.

Enhanced staff/student relationships, encouraging and promoting a range of Student leadership, peer mediation and peer mentoring to support the work of teachers in classrooms. Student leaders meet regularly, share ideas and have showcased health within the student body.

The Core Team has provided opportunities for staff collegiate support, such as regular debriefing sessions, that offer acknowledgement, recognition and support of teachers’ work. Positive relationships are also developed through staff social events such as luncheons and morning teas, and informal events with students and parents.

Outcome to date:

Enhanced social and emotional wellbeing and positive relationships for members of the Robert Townson High School community.

Three tips for successfully using MindMatters:

  • Passion, drive and energy.
  • The use of a team approach.
  • Persistence – show staff and students that everyone cares