At our school, student wellbeing and learning go hand in hand. We want every student to feel safe, included and ready to learn. Whether your child needs help with their mental, emotional, social or physical wellbeing, we are here to help them thrive at school and in daily life.
Wellbeing at Earlwood Public School is a whole-school responsibility.
- Students are encouraged to uphold our values and meet our expectations.
- Staff demonstrate consistency, fairness, and genuine care in all interactions.
- Parents and carers partner with us to support their children and help build a strong, connected community.
How we support student wellbeing
Supporting each student’s mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing is part of everyday school life.
We do this through:
- teachers who help students feel welcome and included
- access to school counsellors, school psychologist and specialist staff
- programs that support health, social skills, attendance and positive behaviour
- help for students who are new or changing year levels
- clear expectations for behaviour and respectful relationships
- staff who get to know each child and work closely with families
- developing health care plans for students
- open communication about wellbeing and support.
Visit Our principal and staff to learn about our specialist support staff.
Our values
We encourage all students to:
Be Safe: Move with care, value your peers and teachers and ask for help.
Be Respectful: Be kind with your words and actions, value your environment and listen carefully.
Be a Learner: Try your best, play fairly and solve problems.
These values guide our school community every day, helping us grow together in a safe, respectful, and inspiring place to learn, where wellbeing flourishes.
Our expectations
Earlwood Public School has the following school-wide expectations which demonstrate the EPS Way:
Enthusiasm in learning,
Promoting respectfulness,
Staying safe
Behaviours that do not meet the school expectations are managed calmly, respectfully and in line with evidenced based practice and department policy.
Recognise and reinforce enthusiasm for learning, promoting respect and staying safe
Earlwood Public School recognises and reinforces students who consistently meet expectations and those who go over and above and demonstrate excellence.
- EPS tokens - Given to any student at any time by any member of staff as a way of recognising students meeting expectations.
- Class points - Class points are given by the class teacher to students who consistently meet expectations or who exceed expectations.
- EPS Merit certificates - Awarded at weekly assembly. All teachers may award this certificate to students who demonstrate the school values consistently over time or who have excelled in a particular EPS value.
- Opal certificates - Awarded to students who have consistently demonstrated safe, respectful, learner behaviours. The class teacher awards these to students.
- Hat patches- awarded to students who have achieved a complete Opal level. Each level contains 6 opal certificates. The sixth certificate is the Principal's Opal award and a hat patch. These are awarded at assembly.
The keys to the school are given to students who receive 6 hat patches over their time at EPS. A wall plaque is placed on the office wall to commemorate this outstanding achievement.
Anti-bullying commitment
At Earlwood Public School, we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where every student is valued and respected. We take a strong stand against all forms of bullying and cyberbullying. Our comprehensive Anti-Bullying Plan focuses on:
- Providing clear and consistent definitions to distinguish bullying from conflict.
- Embedding regular anti-bullying education through assemblies and PDHPE lessons.
- Cyber safety lessons in PDHPE and eSafety strengthen digital resilience by addressing online risks like cyberbullying, promoting positive online behaviour, digital citizenship and providing students with practical strategies to stay safe online.
- Building strong partnerships with families to foster kindness, respect, and inclusion within our community.
- Equipping students with the skills to recognise, report, refuse, and respond effectively to bullying whenever it occurs.
- Together, we work to promote a culture of empathy and safety where every student can thrive.
Our wellbeing program highlights
Restorative practices
Our school embraces restorative practices to promote wellbeing and positive relationships within our community. These approaches encourage open dialogue, empathy, and accountability, helping students resolve conflicts respectfully and rebuild trust. By fostering a culture of understanding and support, restorative practices contribute to a safe, inclusive, and caring environment where everyone can thrive.
Buddy program
Our school Buddy program is a key wellbeing initiative that connects older students with younger peers to provide friendship, support, and guidance. It helps new or younger students feel welcomed, confident, and included in the school community. Through shared activities and regular interactions, buddies build positive relationships, develop leadership skills, and promote kindness and inclusion, contributing to the overall social and emotional wellbeing of all students.
Positive play
Positive play is a K - 2 program that promotes a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where students engage in fair and friendly sportsmanship during games and activities in small groups. It encourages cooperation, kindness, and enjoyment, helping students develop social skills, build confidence, and foster a positive school community.
Youth group
Our Youth group offers Year 5 and 6 students a welcoming space to connect, learn, and grow together. Through a variety of activities, discussions, and community projects, students develop leadership skills, build friendships, and contribute positively to the school community. The group encourages personal growth, social responsibility, and a sense of belonging.
Transition programs
We integrate student wellbeing into our transition programs, to ensure every student experiences a smooth, positive, and more confident move to their next educational stage.
- Transition to Kindergarten helps our youngest learners feel safe, confident, and welcomed as they begin their school journey through familiarisation visits and engaging activities.
- Year 2 transition activities help students prepare smoothly and confidently for the move from early primary years into the more independent learning environment of Years 3 to 6. It supports students in building new friendships, understanding new routines, becoming familiar with new classrooms and playgrounds, and developing the social and emotional skills needed to succeed in the next stage of their schooling. This transition aims to reduce any anxiety or uncertainty, making the change positive and successful for every student.
-
High School transition program provides the opportunity for Stage 3 students hands-on visits to local high schools and on-site sessions where Year 6 students experience a high school timetable with different teachers. Parents and students can also attend independent open days. These activities, along with wellbeing support, help build confidence, reduce anxiety, and prepare students for a smooth transition to high school.
-
Year 5 Opportunity Class(OC) transition
The Year 5 OC Transition Program builds confidence and supports a smooth academic and social transition. Current OC students share their experiences and lead school tours for new students. A parent information session provides essential support and information. We look forward to welcoming and guiding our future OC students on their journey to success.
Bullying. No Way! Day
At Earlwood Public School, we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all students. Each year, we proudly participate in Bullying. No Way! Day, a national initiative dedicated to raising awareness about bullying prevention. Through activities, discussions, and student-led initiatives, we empower our student community to stand together against bullying and promote kindness, respect, and empathy. Together, we say: Bullying. No Way!
R U OK? Day
A national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone to ask, "Are you okay?" This event encourages meaningful conversations that can help support mental wellbeing in our school community.
Harmony Day
Harmony Day, a special occasion that embraces diversity and promotes inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone. Through activities, stories, and shared experiences, students learn to appreciate and respect cultures from all around the world. Together, we create a welcoming and supportive environment where every student feels valued and connected.
NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC week encourages students and staff to learn about Indigenous traditions, stories, and contributions to Australia’s rich cultural heritage. Through activities, workshops, and community events, we foster respect, understanding, and reconciliation, helping to build a more inclusive and connected school community.
Cyber safety
At Earlwood Public School, we are committed to fostering a safe and positive online environment for all students. As part of our PDHPE curriculum and in partnership with eSafety resources, we focus on building digital resilience, raising awareness of online risks such as cyberbullying, promoting positive behaviour and digital citizenship. Through these lessons, students develop critical thinking skills and practical strategies to protect themselves and others online.
Safer Internet Day
Each year, we also participate in Safer Internet Day, a global initiative that reinforces the importance of online safety and encourages respectful and responsible use of technology across our school community.
Together, we strive to empower our students to use technology safely, respectfully, and positively.
Our support team
Our learning and support team works with students, teachers and families to provide the right help at the right time.
They may include:
- Learning and support teachers
- School learning support officers(SLSO)
- School counsellors
- Itinerant teachers for vision or hearing
- English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D) teachers
- Aboriginal education officers
- Community and home school liaison officers.
Meet our learing wellbeing and specialist support staff.
Need support for your child's wellbeing?
Get in touch to talk about the right support for your child.
Additional learning support
Find out how we support students with disability or additional learning needs.
Our principal and staff
Get to know our principal and staff, who work together to create a positive school culture.