Wellbeing

Wellbeing at Immanuel

WHERE CARE, CONNECTION AND CONFIDENCE COME FIRST

There’s one thing we consistently hear from parents — “My child is just so happy here.”

And we don’t take that lightly. At Immanuel, happiness, belonging and emotional wellbeing are more than nice-to-haves — they’re essential to learning and growing. That’s why wellbeing isn’t a side program — it’s woven into everything we do.

From Prep to Year 12, we create an environment where every student feels safe, supported and ready to thrive — in school and in life.

HOLISTIC SUPPORT, EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

BECAUSE LEARNING CAN ONLY HAPPEN WHEN YOU FEEL GOOD INSIDE

We know that each stage of school comes with its own joys and challenges. Our whole-school wellbeing approach helps students build:

Confidence to tackle new challenges
Emotional intelligence and self-awareness
Positive relationships that feel safe and respectful
Resilience through life’s inevitable ups and downs
A faith-filled perspective that nurtures hope, purpose and compassion
A mindset that sees growth, not failure

Our approach is grounded in positive psychology and restorative practices, and led by teachers who know that care isn’t just a program — it’s part of how we teach, lead, and relate to students every day.

WELLBEING THAT’S PROVEN AND PURPOSEFUL

OUR POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY APPROACH, MADE REAL

At Immanuel, wellbeing starts from day one (even in Prep.) Our approach isn’t a poster on the wall or a program in a box — it’s something students feel, see, and live every day, starting from their very first year of school.

Grounded in the PERMA-V framework and supported by restorative practices, our whole-school approach helps students build:

ositivity: regularly experiencing

ngagement: engaging in challenging activities that are enjoyable

elationship: developing authentic, nurturing relationships

eaning: finding a purposeful, meaningful existence beyond ourselves

chievement: achieving accomplishment

itality: taking good care of our body and mind at school

This isn’t a once-a-week lesson. It’s an intentional, embedded culture of care — where students feel supported, understood, and inspired to grow into their best selves.

GUIDING GROWTH WITH PURPOSE

SPECIALISED PROGRAMS FOR EVERY AGE AND STAGE

At different points in a student’s journey, different support is needed — and we’re ready for all of it. That’s why our wellbeing programs are tailored to suit students right where they are.

Whether it’s learning how to navigate friendships, building independence, or growing through deep reflection in nature, our programs are designed to shape strong, self-aware, and kind young people.

We introduce these experiences early, starting in Prep, because the sooner children learn to understand themselves and others, the better they’ll do both in school and beyond.

FRIENDSHIPS THAT STICK

TEACHING KIDS HOW TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS THAT LAST

At Immanuel, we know that friendships are foundational to wellbeing — especially in the early years. That’s why we start strong with the URSTRONG program, an evidence-based approach to friendship skills that we teach from Prep onwards.

As a certified URSTRONG school, we equip students with a shared language for friendship — helping them learn how to communicate clearly, resolve conflict kindly, and form relationships that are respectful, honest and lasting.

Through classroom lessons, role-play, and real-life application, students learn to navigate social situations with confidence and empathy. The result? A more inclusive, respectful culture where everyone feels like they belong.

Because knowing how to make and keep friends isn’t just nice —it’s essential for a happy, connected life at school.

HOUSE LIFE FROM PREP TO YEAR 12

YOUR PEOPLE, YOUR PLACE, YOUR HOUSE

At Immanuel, being part of a House is like being part of a second family. From the first day of Prep to the final Year 12 celebration, every student belongs to one of our four Houses:

Bribie Kangaroos
Moreton Crocodiles
Stradbroke Sharks
K’gari Dingoes

In Primary School, House life brings joy, team spirit and new friendships across year levels. In Secondary, it deepens with mentor-led homerooms, student leadership opportunities, and a strong sense of identity and pride.

It’s not just about cheering loud at carnivals.

It’s about being known, supported, and part of something that sticks — long after graduation.

THE GREEN SPACE

A CALM PLACE TO RESET, RECHARGE AND RETURN TO LEARNING

Sometimes students just need a moment — a place to pause, breathe, and find their calm. The Green Space is a dedicated location on campus designed for exactly that. It’s open to any student who needs time to regulate emotions, manage sensory input, or simply take a quiet break before stepping back into the school day.

Inside, students can access soothing resources like soft lighting, fidget tools, weighted cushions, calming music and quiet zones. It’s a space that recognises that every student’s needs are different — and every student’s wellbeing matters.

Whether it’s a quick reset or a supported strategy session, the Greenroom helps students build self-awareness, feel safe, and return to class feeling ready.

Because wellbeing doesn’t look the same for everyone — and we’re here for all of it.

From Obstacles to Opportunities

Learning Enhancement That Turns Can’t into Can

At Immanuel, we believe every student deserves the chance to succeed — and we know that success doesn’t always follow a straight path. That’s where our Learning Enhancement Team (LED) comes in.

More than just academic support, this team works alongside parents, teachers and specialists to remove barriers, unlock potential, and give students the tools they need to grow — in their own way, and at their own pace.

Individual Support Plans are created with care and strategy — not as paperwork, but as practical roadmaps built around each student’s strengths and needs. Our specialists and Teacher Aides are embedded within year levels, so support is consistent, familiar, and part of everyday school life.

We’re not here to label students. We’re here to build up learners who feel confident, capable, and ready to move forward.

UNIQUE SUPPORT

Meet Lucy,

Our Support Dog

Lucy brings something special to campus life at Immanuel.

Her gentle presence helps create a calming environment where students feel more comfortable and confident. You’ll find her bringing smiles to faces in the playground, sitting with students as they practice their reading, or offering quiet companionship during busy exam periods.

Through Lucy’s natural ability to connect with students, she helps them:

Stay calm during challenging moments
Build confidence in their reading abilities
Feel more comfortable sharing their feelings
Find moments of joy throughout the school day
Experience unconditional friendship

Lucy is more than just a school dog – she’s part of what makes Immanuel such a supportive, welcoming place for every student.

OUTDOOR WELLBEING

Learning Beyond Classroom Walls

Our outdoor education program, including the transformative Year 10 Mt Binga experience, does more than just get students into nature. These carefully designed programs help students:

Discover inner strength they didn’t know they had
Build lasting friendships through shared challenges
Develop real-world leadership skills
Connect with the environment
Gain independence and self-reliance
Create memories that last a lifetime

Through challenging hikes, team activities, and time away from technology, students return with newfound confidence, stronger relationships, and a deeper understanding of themselves.

THE RITE JOURNEY

A year of growth, grit and real connection

Year 9 is a turning point — emotionally, socially, and developmentally. At Immanuel, we don’t let that milestone pass by quietly. Through The Rite Journey, we guide students through a powerful, year-long experience that helps them step into young adulthood with clarity, confidence, and a deeper sense of self.

This isn’t just another wellbeing program. It’s real conversations, honest reflection, shared challenges, and powerful moments of growth. Students explore who they are, what they stand for, and how they want to show up in the world — while learning to break down stigma, speak up about mental health, and support one another with compassion and courage.

With trusted mentors by their side, they navigate topics that matter — identity, values, relationships, purpose and resilience — in a space that’s safe, respectful and deeply empowering.

It’s one of the most impactful programs our students take part in — and the kind of learning that sticks long after the year is done.

OUR WELLBEING TEAM

Champions for your child

Behind every confident, happy student is a team that sees them, supports them, and walks alongside them. At Immanuel, wellbeing is a whole-team commitment — not just a department.

Our full-circle Wellbeing Team includes:

Directors of Wellbeing and Student Engagement
College Counsellors
Learning Enhancement Specialists
Our Chaplain and Youth Worker
House Leaders across all Secondary year levels
Mt Binga facilitators
And of course, Lucy — our much-loved support dog

Together, they create a school culture where students are known by name, valued for who they are, and supported in every season. Whether it’s a listening ear, practical strategies, academic support or emotional guidance — there’s always someone in their corner.

This is what real care looks like.

This is what makes the difference.

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TAKE A TOUR

There’s something special about Immanuel that’s hard to put into words – but you’ll feel it the moment you arrive. It’s in the laughter echoing through our rainforest, the warm greetings in our corridors, and the genuine smiles of our students. Come and see how we support every student to discover their own path to success.