Social and Emotional Learning at Nicholson Primary School
At Nicholson Primary School, we believe that education is about more than academic skills. It’s also our core responsibility to promote student resilience, wellbeing, and positive social attitudes. One effective way to do this is through evidence-based programs that explicitly foster personal and social capabilities.
A whole-school approach means embedding SEL beyond just classroom lessons. It’s about creating a school culture that models respect and equality in every aspect of school life — including:
• Classrooms
• Staffrooms
• Playgrounds
• School events and activities
This comprehensive approach helps improve student learning, wellbeing, and behaviour.
What is Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)?
SEL is the process through which children develop and apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills to:
• Understand and manage emotions
• Set and achieve positive goals
• Feel and express empathy
• Establish and maintain positive relationships
• Make responsible decisions
• Build resilience to handle change
• Create positive gender norms
• Contribute to social cohesion
At Nicholson Primary School, we use the Department’s Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships program to support a whole-school approach to social and emotional development.
Social and emotional skills equip students to navigate change, challenges, and unpredictability. These skills are vital given the increasing stressors and mental health issues faced by young people in Australia. SEL also forms the foundation for positive relationships — including healthy gender relationships — and fosters a cohesive school community.

Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships Program Overview
The Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships program is complemented by the Department of Education's Catching On Early: Sexuality education program.
The program’s scope and sequence is designed across the school year to build key skills:
• Term 1: Emotional Literacy and Personal Strengths
• Term 2: Positive Coping and Problem Solving
• Term 3: Stress Management and Help Seeking
• Term 4: Gender and Identity, Positive Gender Relationships, and Catching On Early lessons
Catching On Early lessons are tailored for each year level:
• Prep
• Years 1 & 2
• Years 3 & 4
• Years 5 & 6