We are committed to ensuring a safe and happy environment for your child.
We support your child’s health and safety through a range of strategies including:
- the behaviour code for students, which outlines the standards of behaviour expected in all NSW public schools
- anti-racism education
- anti-bullying programs
- conflict resolution and mediation training
- peer support
- road safety education
- the Healthy School Canteen Strategy.
For more information, visit the student wellbeing section of the department’s website.
Like all NSW public schools, we promote the healthy development of students through:
- school programs and practices that protect and promote health and safety
- supporting individual students who need help with health issues
- providing first aid and temporary care of students who become unwell or who have an accident at school.
Student wellbeing
Like all NSW public schools, we provide safe learning and teaching environments to encourage healthy, happy, successful and productive students.
The department is committed to creating quality learning opportunities for children and young people. These opportunities support wellbeing through positive and respectful relationships and fostering a sense of belonging to the school and community.
The Wellbeing Framework for Schools helps schools support the cognitive, physical, social, emotional and spiritual development of students and allows them to connect, succeed and thrive throughout their education.
Berry Street Education Model (BSEM)
At Portland Central School, the Berry Street Education Model (BSEM) is the foundation of our approach to student wellbeing and engagement. All staff are trained in this evidence-based model, which provides practical strategies to support the social-emotional and academic growth of every student. By embedding BSEM into our daily practices, we create a safe, structured, and predictable learning environment where students feel valued, respected, and ready to learn.
The BSEM focuses on five key domains: Body, Relationship, Stamina, Engagement, and Character. These domains guide our work in fostering self-regulation, building positive relationships, and developing resilience in our students. Through consistent routines, trauma-informed practices, and a strengths-based approach, we help students develop the skills they need to manage emotions, build confidence, and engage meaningfully in their learning. These principles align closely with our School-Wide Expectations (SWE) system, which reinforces positive behaviours and ensures a shared understanding of expectations across all year levels.
BSEM and our SWE system also play a crucial role in behaviour management and anti-bullying initiatives. By setting clear expectations, using proactive strategies, and promoting restorative practices, we create a culture where students take responsibility for their actions and learn from their experiences. Staff use de-escalation techniques, explicit social-emotional learning, and structured interventions to support students in making positive choices. Our approach prioritizes early intervention, fostering a respectful school environment where bullying is actively addressed and prevented.
At Portland Central School, BSEM and our SWE system work hand in hand to create a positive and inclusive learning culture. By prioritising wellbeing alongside academic achievement, we empower our students to become confident, capable, and compassionate individuals, ready to thrive both in school and beyond.
Positive Behaviour for Learning
At our school, we use Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) – a whole-school approach for creating a positive, safe and supportive school climate where students can learn and develop. Our whole school community works together to establish expected behaviours and teach them to all students.
Student leadership
Student leadership helps young people find their voices, participate in decision-making, and understand their rights and responsibilities as active citizens. It helps students have a real impact on their learning and school environment and prepares them to participate meaningfully in their community.
Students can be leaders in the classroom, through their actions in the playground, through their support for others, or their involvement in academic, sporting, cultural or local community events or projects.
For more information about opportunities in NSW public schools, visit Student voice and leadership.
Our school's leadership programs is available for students in all year groups with student voice represented through our Student Representative Council.
