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(08) 8847 2202
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275 Dukes Highway Coomandook SA 5261

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Wellbeing

Student Wellbeing at Coomandook Area School

At CAS, student wellbeing is central to everything we do. We understand that wellbeing encompasses the social, emotional, intellectual and physical development of each individual—and is essential for effective learning.

We are committed to remaining responsive to the challenges and social pressures our young people face throughout all stages of their development. To support this, our students participate in weekly pastoral care lessons. These lessons help create a safe and nurturing environment where students feel valued and understood. They encourage open discussions about mental health, relationships, and personal well-being, fostering resilience and empathy. By addressing issues such as bullying, self-esteem, and peer pressure, pastoral care lessons equip students with essential life skills that go beyond academics, helping them grow into confident, compassionate, and responsible individuals.

Wellbeing skills are woven throughout our curriculum and scaffolded by the evidence-based frameworks of Zones of Regulation and Real Schools.

Zones of Regulation is used across the junior school to help students recognise and manage their emotions by categorising them into four colour-coded zones (Blue, Green, Yellow, and Red). Zones gives staff and students a shared, non-judgmental vocabulary to talk about feelings, energy levels, and behaviour. The earlier we develop an emotional vocabulary—and it’s never too early or too late to start—the better we are at attuning to our own and other’s needs and feelings.

The Real Schools program is a whole school approach to enhance student wellbeing by embedding restorative practices into school culture, fostering strong, relational environments built on trust. Our staff are able to use intentional language, affective communication, and restorative circles to address behaviour and build community. This approach shifts focus from punitive measures to understanding and repairing harm, promoting emotional resilience and positive relationships. By prioritising connection and consistency, we create a culture where students feel valued and supported, directly impacting their overall wellbeing.

Chat n Chill – A Space to Connect and Recharge

Chat n Chill (CC) is a dedicated wellbeing space supported by our Youth Worker, Stacy and Pastoral Care Worker (PCW), Andrew. The three spaces which make up CC, are open during recess and lunch Monday through to Friday and offers students a relaxed and supportive environment to enjoy a variety of activities, crafts, and games while spending time with peers and friends.

In addition to group activities, the Chill Room is also available for students who may need a quiet space to take a break, reflect, or focus on study in a calm and caring setting.

For students who need something quieter, our Sensory Room is a calming, supportive space designed to help students regulate their emotions and sensory needs. Equipped with soft lighting, tactile objects, and flexible seating, the room provides a safe and quiet environment where students can relax, refocus, and feel grounded. It’s especially helpful for students who may experience sensory overload, anxiety, or need a short break to reset during the school day.

Stacy and Andrew also offer the social-emotional learning programs; What’s the Buzz? and Kimochi’s.

What’s the Buzz is a social-emotional learning program that helps children and young people develop key social skills, emotional regulation, and positive relationship-building abilities. Through structured lessons and interactive activities, it teaches practical strategies for understanding emotions, communicating effectively, and navigating social situations with confidence, fostering empathy, resilience, and lifelong interpersonal success.

The Kimochi’s curriculum uses tactile, plush characters—each representing different emotions—to help children (typically ages 3–8) build emotional awareness, self‑regulation, communication skills, empathy, and responsible decision‑making.

Support Services

Our Wellbeing Team are here to support our students and families by connecting them with a wide range of services available across the Murraylands region. If you need help accessing any of the services listed below, please feel free to get in touch with us.

You are welcome to contact the CAS Wellbeing team at 8573 3007, if you need any further information.