Inclusion & Wellbeing

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support

At Skye Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that every student receives the right level of care, guidance, and support. Our Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) provides a structured, evidence-based framework that allows us to proactively support all students, identify those who need additional assistance, and provide intensive interventions where required.
Our approach is trauma-informed, inclusive, and responsive, ensuring that every child feels safe, supported, and equipped to succeed—academically, socially, and emotionally.

Our Three-Tiered Approach:

Tier 1 – Whole School Approach

A proactive and preventative foundation that ensures all students benefit from a positive, inclusive school culture. This includes explicit teaching of expectations, social-emotional learning programs, and school-wide wellbeing initiatives.

Tier 2 – Targeted Support

For students who require extra assistance, we provide small group interventions focused on social, emotional, and behavioural development. These targeted supports help students build resilience, emotional regulation, and positive relationships in a structured and supportive environment.

Tier 3 – Intensive Individual Support

For students with more complex needs, we develop personalised intervention plans in partnership with families, specialist services, and external agencies. These tailored supports ensure that every child receives specialised, high-impact strategies that address their unique challenges and strengths.
Through MTSS, we create a learning environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive—no matter their starting point. Our structured, trauma-informed approach ensures that support is equitable, responsive, and aligned with each child’s individual needs.

School Wide Positive Behaviour Support

At Skye Primary School, we create a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment through School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS). This evidence-based framework establishes clear expectations for behaviour while recognising and reinforcing positive actions. By embedding Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience into daily school life, we foster a culture where students feel secure, valued, and motivated to do their best.

A Whole-School Commitment to Positive Behaviour

• Explicit Teaching of Behaviour Expectations – Students are actively taught how to demonstrate positive behaviour in different school settings.
• Modelling and Reinforcement – Staff consistently model, recognise, and celebrate positive behaviour, ensuring a supportive school climate.
• Consistency and Fairness – A clear, school-wide approach creates predictability and fairness, helping students feel confident and engaged.

By focusing on positive behaviour rather than punishment, SWPBS strengthens relationships, enhances student wellbeing, and contributes to a calm, productive learning environment where all students can reach their full potential.

Trauma Informed Positive Education (BSEM)

At Skye Primary School, our wellbeing approach is grounded in the Berry Street Education Model (BSEM), a trauma-informed, strengths-based framework that equips students with the skills to navigate challenges and engage in learning with confidence. By creating a safe, structured, and supportive environment, we ensure that all students can develop resilience, build positive relationships, and sustain engagement in their learning.

The Five Key Domains of BSEM

Our approach is structured around five key domains that help students develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and a sense of purpose:

• Body – Teaching self-regulation and de-escalation strategies to support emotional and physical wellbeing.
• Relationship – Strengthening connections between students, staff, and the broader community to create a culture of belonging.
• Stamina – Encouraging persistence, resilience, and sustained attention to learning.
• Engagement – Fostering curiosity, motivation, and meaningful learning experiences that keep students actively involved.
• Character – Helping students develop their personal strengths, self-awareness, and a sense of direction.

By embedding these principles into everyday school life, we support students to self-regulate, build confidence, and succeed—both academically and personally.

Respectful Relationships

A Whole-School Approach to Respect and Inclusion

Respectful Relationships is embedded across our curriculum, school policies, and daily interactions, ensuring that students learn and experience:

• Emotional Literacy – Recognising, understanding, and managing emotions effectively.
• Personal Strengths – Identifying individual strengths and using them to build confidence and resilience.
• Positive Coping Strategies – Developing healthy ways to manage challenges and setbacks.
• Problem-Solving and Help-Seeking – Learning how to navigate social conflicts and access support when needed.
• Respect and Equality – Understanding diversity, challenging stereotypes, and promoting gender equality.
  

Student Leadership

At Skye Primary School, we believe that every student has the potential to lead. Leadership is nurtured at all year levels, with opportunities for students to develop confidence, responsibility, and the skills to make a positive impact—both formally and informally.

Student Representative Council (SRC)

Our Student Representative Council (SRC) is made up of students from Years 3 to 6, providing a platform for student voice and leadership. SRC representatives meet regularly to discuss student-led initiatives, share ideas, and influence decisions that enhance school programs, facilities, and events. Through this role, students develop skills in communication, collaboration, and advocacy, ensuring that student perspectives are valued and acted upon.

Grade 6 Leadership Opportunities

In Year 6, students are encouraged to take on formal leadership positions by submitting a written application outlining their strengths, skills, and vision for the role. These leadership positions provide students with authentic experiences in responsibility, teamwork, and decision-making, preparing them for success beyond primary school.

Leading in the Playground: Peacemakers & Play Leaders

Year 6 students also have the opportunity to become Peacemakers and Play Leaders, roles designed to promote inclusion, teamwork, and positive interactions in the schoolyard.

• Peacemakers support younger students in resolving minor conflicts, encouraging respectful communication and problem-solving skills.
• Play Leaders run structured games and activities during recess and lunchtime, helping younger students build friendships, stay active, and feel included.

The Buddy Program: Leading with Care

Leadership at Skye Primary extends beyond formal roles. Our Year 6 students take on a vital mentoring role as buddies to incoming Foundation students, helping them transition smoothly into school life. This connection begins before the school year starts, ensuring that new students feel supported and secure from day one. Throughout the year, buddies act as trusted mentors and role models, offering guidance, friendship, and a sense of belonging.
By providing meaningful leadership opportunities, we empower students to develop the confidence, responsibility, and integrity needed to become positive role models and future leaders in their school and wider community.

Breakfast Club

At Skye Primary School, we know that a great day of learning starts with a great breakfast! Our Breakfast Club runs every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:15 am – 8:45 am, providing students with a nutritious and social start to the day.
But Breakfast Club is about more than just food—it’s a welcoming and inclusive space where students can connect with friends, chat with staff, and ease into the school day feeling supported and ready to learn.

What’s on the Menu?

Each morning, students can enjoy a variety of healthy and energising options, including:

🥣 Muesli, Vitabrits, and Cheerios with milk
🍑 Tinned fruit
🍞 Toast with a variety of spreads
🍅 Baked beans & spaghetti
🍏 Fresh seasonal fruit
💧 Water

There’s no need to book – just drop in, grab a bite, and start the day off right! Everyone is welcome.

Lunchtime Clubs

At Skye Primary School, lunchtimes are more than just a break—they’re a chance for students to explore new interests, develop skills, and have fun! Our Lunchtime Clubs run throughout the week, offering a diverse range of engaging, student-friendly activities that are open to everyone.
With clubs spanning sports, creativity, STEM, mindfulness, and more, there’s something for every student to enjoy. Whether they want to try something new, build on existing skills, or connect with like-minded peers, Lunchtime Clubs provide a fun and inclusive space to make the most of the school day.
Check the weekly timetable to see what’s on and get involved!

First Aid

At Skye Primary School, the health and wellbeing of our students is a top priority. We are proud to have a full-time school nurse who provides expert care, immediate medical attention, and ongoing support to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students.

Managing Student Health at School

• Parents/guardians are contacted if a student is unwell or requires further medical attention.
• Allergies and medical conditions are carefully managed through individual health plans.
• Staff are trained in first aid, CPR, anaphylaxis, and asthma management to ensure a safe school environment for all students.

By having a full-time school nurse, we provide peace of mind for families and ensure that students feel safe, supported, and well cared for throughout the school day.
For any questions regarding student health and first aid, please contact the school office.

First Aid at Skye Primary School

At Skye Primary School, the health, safety, and wellbeing of our students are always our priority. From time to time, staff may need to provide first aid to students who become unwell or injured during the school day or while participating in school activities.

Skye Primary School ensures that there are always sufficient staff with appropriate first aid training to care for our school community. Parents and carers should please note that the goal of school first aid is to provide immediate care and comfort – it is not to diagnose or treat a medical condition.

Note: Separate school policies and management plans apply to students with asthma or anaphylaxis.

Our School Nurse & First Aid Equipment

Our School Nurse oversees our sickbay and is responsible for maintaining all school first aid kits so that our spaces remain safe, hygienic, and well-equipped at all times.

To ensure help is always close at hand across the school and during off-site activities, we maintain:

• Sickbay First Aid Kit: A major first aid kit stored in our school sickbay.
• Excursion & Camp Kits: Eight portable first aid kits ready for excursions, camps, and off-site school activities.
• Yard Duty Kits: Portable first aid bum bags kept in every classroom for teachers and specialist staff to carry while on yard duty.

What Happens if Your Child Becomes Unwell at School

If your child is unwell in the morning, please keep them at home until they have recovered. Students who are unwell should not attend school.

If a student becomes unwell or injured during the school day:

• They may be directed to our sickbay, where they will be cared for and monitored by staff.
• Staff trained in first aid will administer care in accordance with their training, and all first aid treatment provided at school is recorded.
• Depending on your child’s symptoms, staff may contact you (or your nominated emergency contact) to come and collect your child from school.
• If staff determine that an emergency response is not required, but that your child needs medical advice, we will ask you or your emergency contact to collect your child and recommend seeking advice from a medical practitioner.

How We Notify Parents and Carers

We keep families informed whenever a child receives first aid care at school:

• Minor injuries or conditions: If first aid is administered for a minor injury or condition, we will notify parents/carers by sending an SMS message home.
• Serious injuries, conditions, or emergencies: For any serious injury, illness, or emergency situation, school staff will attempt to contact parents/carers (or your nominated emergency contact) directly by phone as soon as reasonably practical.

Medical Emergencies

In a medical emergency, our staff will act immediately to protect your child’s health and safety:

• Emergency Action: Staff may take emergency action right away and do not need to wait for parent/carer consent to do so.
• Triple Zero (000): Staff may call Triple Zero (000) for emergency medical services or an ambulance at any time.
• NURSE-ON-CALL (1300 60 60 24): Staff may also contact NURSE-ON-CALL, a 24/7 service that provides immediate, expert health advice from a registered nurse.

Important Note: Paracetamol and Aspirin

Please Note: In accordance with Department of Education policy, pain-relieving medications (analgesics) — including paracetamol (such as Panadol) and aspirin — are NOT stored at school and cannot be provided as a standard first aid treatment. This is because these medications can mask the signs and symptoms of a more serious illness or injury.

Medication Administration at School

Where possible, we encourage parents and carers to arrange for their child’s medication to be taken outside of school hours. However, we understand that students sometimes need to take medication during the school day or while attending school activities, camps, and excursions.

To keep every student safe, Skye Primary School follows clear, supportive procedures whenever medication is brought to school. Please note that the term ‘medication’ includes all prescription medicines as well as non-prescription over-the-counter medicines, creams, drops, herbal sprays, and tablets.

Authorisation is Always Required

All medication administered at school requires written authorisation via a signed Medication Authority Form detailing the medication name, dosage, time to be taken, method of administration, dates required, and storage instructions.

No medication will be administered at school without a completed and signed form in place, except in the case of a medical emergency.

You can obtain a Medication Authority Form by contacting our School Nurse at the school office or by downloading the form below.

One Form, Two Signature Requirements

Skye Primary School uses a single Medication Authority Form for all medication situations, including short-term, long-term, and camp or excursion medication. The signatures required on the form depend on whether the medication is over-the-counter or prescribed:

• Short-term (over-the-counter) medication: This includes non-prescription medicines such as hay fever medicine or ibuprofen. For short-term, over-the-counter medication, a parent/carer signature on the form is sufficient. A prescriber’s signature is not required.
• Long-term or prescribed medication: Ongoing or prescribed medication requires both a parent/carer signature and prescriber authorisation. A new form is required at the start of each calendar year or whenever the medication or dosage changes. (Note: Students with asthma, anaphylaxis, diabetes or epilepsy require an Asthma Action Plan or ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis or Diabetes Management Plan or Epilepsy Management Plan)
• Acceptable prescriber authorisation: For prescribed medication, any one of the following is accepted: a pharmacy label on the medication packaging; a pharmacy label sighted and photocopied by school staff; the signature of a doctor, nurse practitioner, or other health professional on the form; or a signed letter or signed action/management plan from a health professional.
• Camps and excursions: The same Medication Authority Form is used when your child needs medication while attending a school camp or excursion — no separate form is needed.

This approach aligns with the Department of Education’s Medication policy (https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/medication/policy).

Key Rules Parents Must Know

Before sending medication to school, please ensure you follow these important safety requirements:

• First dose must be given at home: A student must not take their first-ever dose of any new medication at school, in case of an allergic or adverse reaction. The first dose must always be taken under the supervision of a parent, carer, or health practitioner.
• Clear labelling is essential: All medication brought to school must be clearly labelled with your child’s name, the dosage required, and the time the medication needs to be administered.
• Must be within its expiry date: Please check that all medication provided to the school is within its expiry date. If staff notice that a medication has expired, we will contact you promptly to arrange an in-date replacement.
• Safe storage: Medication is stored securely in our school sickbay (unless alternative arrangements, such as classroom storage or student self-administration, have been specifically agreed to with the Principal). Students must not keep medication with them unless prior permission has been obtained from the Principal.
• For the prescribed student only: Medication must never be shared or used by anyone other than the student for whom it is authorised, except in a life-threatening emergency.

How to Submit Forms and Medication

Parents and carers can submit completed Medication Authority Forms in two ways:

• In person: Drop the signed form and clearly labelled medication off at the school front office in the morning.
• By email: If you are unable to attend the office in the morning, you may email the signed form to skye.ps@education.vic.gov.au — please include “Medication Authority Form” in the email subject line.

Our Daily Medication Process: How We Care for Your Child

We follow a careful daily routine so parents can feel confident that their child’s medication is managed safely and accurately every day:

• Morning check: Each morning, our School Nurse or First Aid Officer, reviews the daily medication register (kept in the first aid room and on the Staff Drive), which lists all students with scheduled doses for the day. They also check with the front office for any newly submitted Medication Authority Forms, which are attached directly to the daily register.
• Two staff members present: At each scheduled dose time, our school nurse or First Aid Officer administers the medication in accordance with the signed authority form with a second staff member present to witness. Both staff members sign the register to confirm the dose was witnessed and given.
• Complete records: Every dose of medication administered is logged, and at the end of each school day, the completed register is filed securely in student health records.
• Safety protocols: In the unlikely event that medication is ever taken incorrectly, staff immediately follow the student’s health plan, call the Poisons Information Line (13 11 26), act on their advice (including calling 000 if advised), notify parents/carers right away, and review school procedures.

Temporary or One-Off (Ad Hoc) Medication Requests

If your child needs a temporary or one-off dose of medication outside of their regular schedule (for example, due to a mild illness or a flare-up of a condition):

• Contact the front office in the morning: Please let the front office know as early as possible in the morning by phone, email, or in person.
• Signed Medication Authority Form required: All temporary or one-off requests must still be supported by a completed and signed Medication Authority Form (submitted at the office or emailed to the school).
• Logged & confirmed to parents: Temporary requests are recorded in our dedicated ad hoc medication register, witnessed by two staff members when administered, and a brief confirmation note or email will be sent to you after your child’s dose has been given.

Questions or Need a Form? Contact Us

If you need a Medication Authority Form or would like to discuss your child’s first aid or medication needs at school, please contact our School Nurse:

For the full First Aid Policy and Medication Policy, please contact the school office or visit our policies page.