Victorian School Recognised for Wellbeing Initiatives
St John’s Primary School in Mitcham, VIC, has received the ‘Education’ Award at the 2025 Barbara Hocking Memorial Awards.
The awards recognise efforts to create a world where we are all connected and protected from suicide across four categories: Workplace, Education, Community and Conversation Leader.
The judging panel recognised the St John’s team for their outstanding contribution to suicide prevention, particularly through their transformative whole-school approach to wellbeing and mental health education.
At St John’s, student wellbeing is central to school culture. The R U OK? message is embedded in daily practice - from classroom lessons and assemblies to peer-led initiatives and staff modelling. Students learn to recognise emotions, check in with others, and lead with kindness. Staff use consistent language and tools across classrooms, supported by weekly Circle Time and visual emotion regulation strategies.
These initiatives build emotional literacy, mindfulness, and peer support, helping students feel safe, seen, and supported. In a 2024 survey, 85% of students reported feeling safe and supported at school, with families noting more open communication and use of wellbeing strategies at home.
In announcing St John’s as the award recipient, Kathleen Tan, R U OK? Head of Programs, highlighted the value of their efforts.
"St John’s Primary School is a shining example of how mental health can be woven through every part of a child’s learning journey," she said.
"Their commitment to connection, inclusion and early intervention creates a school culture where asking ‘are you OK?’ is part of any day."
