What is KidsMatter?
KidsMatter Primary is a mental health and wellbeing framework for primary schools and is proven to make a positive difference to the lives of Australian children.
The initiative aims to contribute to:
improving student mental health and wellbeing,
reducing mental health difficulties amongst students, and
increasing support for students experiencing mental health difficulties
It was developed in collaboration with Beyondblue, the Australian Psychological Society, and the Principals Australia Institute, with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Beyondblue.
KidsMatter Primary provides the proven methods, tools and support to help schools work with parents and carers, health services and the wider community, to nurture happy, balanced kids.
Burnside Primary first introduced this program in 2013.
As a school we aim to effectively implement the program to a high standard, raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing amongst the school community and improve every students overall happiness. This will support a successful learning pathway throughout their time at Burnside Primary and into their future.
We are now a part of this national initiative and as a school we will work together to create a positive experience for everyone.
Introducing the KidsMatter Action Team
The KidsMatter action team consists of a member of School Leadership, Teachers, School Service Officers and Parents within our school community.
Current Action Team Members
Angela Elkin - Assistant Principal
Jane Glasson - Science Teacher
Andrea Curtis - Year 1 Teacher
Amanda Rankine - Year 3 Teacher
Dionne Kelly - Year 7 Teacher
Dennis Smith - Year 3 teacher and Optimism expert
Sheila Chehade - Pastoral Care Worker
Brad Schutz - SSO
Kelly Wagner - Parent
Sue Cantor-Drummond - Parent
Rachel Clarke - Parent / Critical friend
The role of the Kids Matter Action Team is to attend the required KidsMatter Facilitator training sessions, promote the KidsMatter Framework at Burnside Primary, generate ideas for school improvement and provide feedback at committee meetings.
Members of the Action Team are required to facilitate training sessions for all members of staff.
KidsMatter School Progress
KidsMatter is comprised of four interrealated components:
Component 1 - Positive school community
Component 2 - Social and emotional learning for students (SEL)
Component 3 - Working with parents and carers
Component 4 - Helping children with mental health difficulties
Each component is divided into several sessions of professional learning for staff.
Burnside Primary School completed Component 1 in 2013, Component 2 in 2014, Component 3 in 2015 and is currently implementing Component 4.
The 'Bounce Back' Program is being used in all classes to support social and emotional learning and promote wellbeing amongst all of our students.
Further information pertaining to these Components can be found on the KidsMatter website link at the bottom of this page.
KidsMatter Action Plan
To view the KidsMatter Action Plan please click here
Values Cup
The Values Cup was initiated to promote our school's values of COOPERATION, RESPECT and QUALITY LEARNING. In Term 1, 2014 the Year 7 House Leaders met and discussed the merits of using the Values Cup as a way to promote our school values.
The House Leaders have established a simple system designed to highlight and acknowledge students who were espousing and 'living' our school values. The House Leaders were keen to make the Values Cup distinct from Bravo Awards by maintaining a class-based system, leaving Bravos as a playtime focus.
The House Leaders have shown great initiative in developing the Values Cup as a fortnightly celebration to help us continue to build a positive school community.
The four House Teams at Burnside Primary School are Florey, Bradman, Penfold and Stuart.
Students who display our school values are awarded points.
Each fortnight, the winning house team is announced at whole school assemblies! The team that wins the Values Cup has their team mascot displayed with the Values Cup in the Front Office.
School Counsellor
Burnside Primary School now has a 0.2 school counsellor. For further information please contact Angela Elkin on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
KidsMatter Action Team Updates
KidsMatter Action Team Meetings will be held twice a term throughout the year.
Please see below for the latest minutes of meeting:
"Flourish" - Parent Evening
Please find below several links to presenters presentations which were discussed at the recent 'Flourish' Parent Evening
To view the presentation offered from Angela Elkin please click here
To view the presentation offered from Dennis Smith please click here
To view the presentation offered from Dionne Kelly please click here
To view the document regarding External Assets please click here
Parent Support
Please click on the link below to access a variety of useful documents that may be of assistance to you and your family:
http://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/families/information-sheets/information-sheet-index
Further Information
KidsMatter Website address: http://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/primary
KidsMatter