Student Wellbeing
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Swift and proactive
Our approach to bullying
Social conflict can happen in any school community. At Velora
we respond quickly, thoughtfully and with a focus on learning, accountability and restoring relationships. Students are encouraged to raise concerns with teachers, mentors or wellbeing staff, and families are kept informed if issues arise.
Restorative Practices
Our approach is guided by restorative practices, which prioritise listening to all voices, helping students understand the impact of their actions, and supporting them to repair relationships where possible. Students play an active role in resolving conflict and rebuilding trust, developing empathy, responsibility and stronger communication skills in the process.
Preventative Practices
We also work proactively to build a positive school culture where conflict is less likely to occur. This includes:
Peer mentoring and structured group activities that build empathy and respect
Explicit teaching of social and emotional skills through the wellbeing curriculum
Support for both the student affected and others involved to prevent recurrence
Collaboration between teachers, mentors and wellbeing specialists to ensure consistent follow-up
Together, these approaches help students feel safe, supported and confident in navigating relationships.
A calm, caring presence
Wellbeing Dogs
Valora's much-loved Wellbeing Dogs, Romio and Julie , play an important role in supporting students from the Early Learning Centre (ELC) to Year 12.
Romio, a gentle black labrador, is based in the Sports and Wellbeing Centre and offers calm, comfort and connection across the school. Her willingness to sit still for long periods of time has also made her an unofficial muse to many of our art students, and few tours of Velora are complete without spotting at least one portrait of Ivy on the walls.
Julie, a joyful golden labrador, brings a sense of safety and reassurance on our camps and signature outdoor experiences.
We also have Tison , pictured here, a quiet cobber puppy who is in training to join our wellbeing dog team. Lewis' particular talent is "cuddles," and these services are always in high demand.
Research shows that wellbeing dogs help reduce stress, improve mood and enhance focus. But most of all, Romio, Julie and Tison bring joy.
on-site Wellbeing specialists
Wellbeing team
Velora's professional and purpose-trained (holding Master of Student Wellbeing) Wellbeing Team is dedicated to caring for the mental health of our students. The team works closely with our teachers and support staff to create an environment in which every child can flourish.
The Wellbeing Team & resources:
Educational and Developmental Psychologists
School Counsellors
School Chaplain
Careers Counsellors
Learning Support Staff
Heads of Year
Junior School year-level coordinators
Strategic Mentoring Program
Three on-site Wellbeing Dogs (Ivy, Henry and Lewis)
Non-sensory learning / breakout space
Dedicated support for every student
Mentor program
Across both the Junior and Senior Schools, Velora's dedicated wellbeing staff work closely with students and their families. Small mentoring groups provide opportunities for personalised support, relationship-building and open communication.
For families, staff mentors act as a consistent point of contact for academic or wellbeing-related queries, helping to foster a strong partnership between home and school.
In the Senior School, daily mentor time and a structured wellbeing curriculum promote social and emotional learning, respectful relationships, personal development and a sense of connection.
Students explore themes that support their understanding of self, others and community, encouraging them to develop resilience and confidence during their formative years.
A holistic approach to wellbeing
Seen, supported & secure
Wellbeing at Velora isn’t just about managing challenges, it’s about helping students navigate the ups and downs of growing up with confidence, resilience and a strong sense of self. Our holistic approach to student wellbeing and mental health, and deliberate and swift response to social conflict and bullying, ensures every student receives the support they need to thrive.
Thoughtful support over time
Wellbeing at every stage
Wellbeing at Velora is thoughtfully designed to support girls as they grow.
Recognizing that students’ needs change over time, our approach evolves across each stage of schooling, ensuring care, connection and support are developmentally appropriate, proactive and deeply embedded in everyday school life.
Prep to Year 6
Years 7 to 10
Years 11 to 12
Prep to Year 6
A strong foundation of belonging is built through positive relationships and restorative practices, helping students develop confidence, resilience and independence. Classroom teachers provide the first layer of personalised wellbeing support. All classes teach emotional literacy through a scope and sequence that builds on their understanding of emotions each year. Junior School year-level coordinators form part of the school's Wellbeing Team (see below), and Ivy the wellbeing dog is a regular visitor to the Junior School.
Strengthening Junior-senior connections
Buddy program
Connections between younger and older students are an important part of wellbeing at Velora. Through buddy-style programs and shared activities across the Junior and Senior Schools, students build relationships that strengthen confidence, belonging and community.
Younger students benefit from the encouragement and guidance of older girls, while older students develop empathy, leadership and a sense of responsibility for others.
These relationships are intentionally fostered through mentor time, transition experiences and community events, helping students feel supported not only by teachers, but by one another.
Over time, these connections contribute to a culture where students feel known, included and confident as they move through each stage of school life.
Frequently asked questions
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VELORA
VELORA
At Velora School, education extends beyond the classroom. We cultivate a culture of innovation, kindness, resilience, and lifelong learning, where every student is encouraged to discover their strengths, challenge themselves, and thrive in an ever-changing world.