Respectful Relationships
​The Respectful Relationships education program is taught weekly from P-6. The lessons teach content covering a range of themes based on social and emotional health and safety, that are age appropriate. The program’s purpose is to embed a culture of respect and equality across the entire school community.
Body Bright
The Butterfly Foundation’s Body Bright program is a comprehensive, whole-school initiative designed to foster positive body image in children. Targeted at students from Prep to Year 6, Body Bright is a strength-based and evidence-informed program.The program promotes healthy attitudes and behaviours toward body image, eating, and physical activity through six empowering themes: Brave, Resilient, Inclusive, Grateful, Happy, and Thoughtful. These themes encourage students to develop a positive sense of self, empowering them to flourish both in school and beyond.
Zones of Regulation
Zones of Regulation is used school wide to consistently name emotions along with strategies to assist students to regulate their feeling for optimal learning.
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Feelings are complicated. They come in different sizes, intensities, and levels of energy that are unique within our brains and bodies. To make them easier to talk about, think about, and regulate, The Zones of Regulation organises our feelings, states of alertness, and energy levels into four coloured Zones – Blue, Green, Yellow, and Red
BLUE ZONE
Possible Body Signals
Heavy Limbs
Moving Slowly
Slow Heartbeat
Foggy Head
Sad
Sick
Tired
Bored
Fatigue
GREEN ZONE
Possible Body Signals
Relaxed Muscles
Focused/Engaged Brain
Comfortable Body Temperature
Focused
Happy
Content
Calm
Proud
Ready to Learn
YELLOW ZONE
Possible Body Signals
Wiggly
Faster Heartbeat
Body Warming Up
Tense Muscles
Thinking Faster
Stressed
Worried
Excited
Silly
Frustrated
Loss of Some Control
RED ZONE
Possible Body Signals
Fast Heartbeat
Skin Flushed
Hot/Sweating
Tense Muscles
Elated/Overjoyed
Angry
Terrified
Devastated
Panicked
Yelling/Hitting
Out of Control
Social Stencil
Social Stencil is a social-emotional learning (SEL) program designed to help children develop essential life skills including emotional regulation, empathy, resilience, and responsible decision-making. The program is neuroaffirming, which means it celebrates and supports the natural differences in how children think, learn, and interact. Children who feel understood, confident, and connected are more likely to thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally.
The Social Stencil curriculum supports this growth through engaging, age-appropriate lessons that build self-awareness and strong interpersonal skills. At Bentleigh West, the Social Stencil curriculum is explicitly taught in Grades 3 and 5 however, common language associated with this program is used across the whole school.
Lunch Time Clubs
​We run a range of lunchtime clubs which students can access including, but not limited to, chess, dance, gardening, Lego, running, drawing and ICT. This gives students some quiet, targeted options for lunchtimes if they need a break from the outside space.​​​​​​
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First Aid
St John’s ‘First Aid in Schools’ Program equips children with essential first aid knowledge and skills. Designed to align with the Victorian Curriculum, the program delivers age-appropriate learning that enables students to respond confidently in emergency situations.Through engaging activities like interactive games, Storytime sessions, and Action Plan scenarios, in Prep – Grade 6 learn the importance of calling 000, performing CPR, and knowing what to do in an emergency
Intergenerational Program
Building Connections Across Generations
Our intergenerational program brings together our BWPS students and residents of Classic Residences retirement village to share learning, laughter and meaningful connection. Through regular visits and collaborative activities—such as storytelling, art, games, reading and a combined choir. Through these simple activities, students gain empathy, confidence and an appreciation for the wisdom of older generations. In turn, residents enjoy companionship, purpose and the joy of mentoring young people. The program fosters mutual respect, reduces social isolation and strengthens community ties, proving that learning and friendship flourish at every age.
Bentleigh West Wellbeing Dog
We are excited to welcome Kiko to the school community! Kiko is a friendly and gentle Labrador who has been specially trained with the help of Dogs Connect to support students’ emotional wellbeing. She will spend time in classrooms, reading spaces and the playground, offering calm companionship, comfort and encouragement. Research shows that wellbeing dogs can help reduce anxiety, build confidence and create a positive, nurturing environment for learning. Kiko’s presence will support students in regulating emotions, developing empathy and building strong connections across the school. We’re thrilled to have her as part of our team!
Meet Kiko
Sexual Education
Sexuality education in primary school is a key part of fostering students’ wellbeing and social-emotional development. Aligned with curriculum requirements and tailored to children’s developmental stages, this education helps students understand their bodies, develop respect for themselves and others, and navigate relationships with empathy and confidence. Through inclusive, age-appropriate lessons, our teachers and specialist educators create a classroom culture that promotes safety, consent, diversity, and respectful communication—laying the groundwork for lifelong positive relationships.
