Wellbeing programme in line for PM’s award

Nelson College for Girls has been recognised for its student wellbeing programme with the announcement that it is a finalist in this year’s Prime Minister’s Education Excellence Awards.

The school is one of 19 finalists. The prestigious awards recognise innovative and effective teaching practices, and the positive outcomes that come from working with tamariki, rangatahi, wha¯nau, iwi, ha¯pu and the wider community.

A statement from the Ministry of Education said Nelson College for Girls was a finalist in excellence in health and wellbeing, which celebrates practices that enhance the health and wellbeing of all children and young people.

Four years ago, the school made a shift from being mainly focused on academic achievement to making student wellbeing central, with a formal wellbeing plan and sufficient resources to deliver it, the ministry said.

The programme went through constant review, and allowed the school to make improvements as it was implemented.

The ministry noted that the results of the programme were better attendance and curriculum improvements that supported Ma¯ori achievement.

Deputy principal Heather McEwen said the school’s staff were ‘‘absolutely thrilled’’.

‘‘We’ve worked really hard to put in meaningful change for our students.’’

McEwen said the programme had helped students build transferable skills such as emotional literacy, resilience, and collaboration abilities.