Social & Emotional Learning

Our Social and Emotional Learning Program

At Ferny Creek Primary School, we are committed to nurturing the whole child. Our comprehensive Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program empowers students with the tools they need to understand themselves, build respectful relationships, and navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.

Our SEL framework draws on leading evidence-based programs to create a cohesive and supportive approach across all year levels. We combine the strengths of URSTRONG-Friendology, Respectful Relationships, Zones of Regulation, and Smiling Minds to develop students’ emotional intelligence, self-awareness, interpersonal skills, and mental wellbeing.

Our integrated SEL approach, builds a culture of kindness, inclusion, and emotional safety, enhances student wellbeing and academic engagement and fosters a positive school climate where every child feels seen, heard, and valued. In this way, all students are supported to be ‘ready to learn’ every day.

URSTRONG – Friendship Skills for Life

URSTRONG is a globally respected program that teaches children how to develop healthy friendships through a common language and practical tools. It helps students:

• Understand the qualities of healthy vs. unhealthy friendships
• Resolve conflict respectfully
• Build empathy and confidence in social settings

Respectful Relationships

An initiative that supports schools in promoting gender equality and respectful interactions. It empowers students to:

• Understand the importance of respect in all relationships
• Recognize and challenge stereotypes and discrimination
• Develop lifelong skills for safe, equal, and inclusive relationships

Zones of Regulation

A self-regulation framework that teaches students to:

• Recognize their emotions and states of alertness
• Use tools and strategies to manage strong feelings
• Increase emotional control, problem-solving, and self-reflection

Smiling Minds – Mindfulness in Action

This program brings mindfulness into the classroom to help students:

• Manage stress and anxiety
• Improve focus and concentration
• Build resilience and a positive mindset through guided meditation and reflective practices