Over the last two years, all staff at St Michael's have engaged in the Berry Street Education Model (BSEM). This is a program that provides staff the understandings, skills and knowledge to support, engage and teach students to be 'Present, Centred and Grounded' throughout the day at school. BSEM is broken into 5 domains.
The five domains of the Berry Street Education Model correspond with the child-development capacities that each student must build in order to be ‘ready to learn’. We focus first on building their capacity to engage and then nurturing their willingness to engage.
Body
Building students’ capacity by increasing physical regulation of the stress response, de-escalation and focus.
At St Michael's, we are focusing on 'body' through Meditation, mindful breaks, safety plans, ready to learn check ins and de-escalation activities.
Relationship
Nurturing on-task learning through relational classroom management strategies.
At St Michael's, we are focusing on 'relationship' through positive praise, circle time, brain breaks and morning greetings.
Stamina
Creating a culture of academic persistence by nurturing resilience, emotional intelligence and a growth mindset.
At St Michael's, we are focusing on 'stamina' through Keys for Learning, Growth Mindset activities and positive self talk, affirmation experiences and reflective circles.
Engagement
Motivating students with strategies that increase their willingness to learn.
At St Michael's, we are focusing on 'engagement' through humour, fun, movement breaks and inquiry.
Character
Harnessing a values and character strengths approach to instil students’ self-knowledge for future pathways.
At St Michael's, we are focusing on 'character' through prayer, values and character strengths.
