Wellbeing
Interoception
Hackham East Primary School is one of the lead schools in South Australia in regards to Interoception. As a school we are very proud of our Interoception journey to further support student wellbeing. Since the implementation of developing awareness in 2016 and setting up our Interoception Room in 2017, we have had over 300 educators from across South Australia visit our school to learn about the positive impact that the implementation of Interoception has had on our school.
Interoception is a pre‐requisite skill for self‐management and self‐regulation. It provides the tools to know when we are developing emotional reactions and the skills to be in control of these reactions. Interoception is an internal sensory system where the internal physical and emotional states of the body are noticed, recognised, identified and responded to. Interoception skills are needed for functions such as knowing when to go to the toilet, being aware that you are becoming angry or upset and being able to manage your emotions proactively.
Interoception activities are explicitly taught to each class 7-8 times per week taking about 5 minutes each time. An interoceptive activity focuses on creating and noticing an internal change. They can focus on any of the following, muscles, breathing, temperature, pulse or touch. People with atypical Interoception can’t identify mood changes or self‐regulate their body. Interoception activities teach us to connect with these.
Benefits of teaching Interoception
Helps children and young people connect to and learn to understand their bodies and emotions.
Helps children and young people develop a sense of belonging. Without Interoception, social skills are just the application of rules and not a meaningful way of interacting.
Classrooms where Interoception is being taught have decreasing behavioural challenges over the school year.
Our Interoception Room is located in our School Library and is open every morning from 8.40am. Parents/Caregivers, we support your decision that if you feel that Interoception is the best place for your child to start the day to bring them in. 5 minutes in the Interoception Room is quite often is the support that some children need to prepare and set themselves up for the day.
Pastoral Care Worker
At Hackham East Primary School, we believe that the wellbeing of our students is at the heart of a thriving school community. Our Pastoral Care Worker is here to support the emotional, social, and spiritual needs of students, families, and staff.
We are pleased to introduce our Pastoral Care Worker:
Neva Camac
Neva is on site on Tuesdays and Fridays, so feel free to drop by the Uniform Shop to say hello, or have a chat if you see her around the school yard.
Before joining Hackham East, Neva spent the past twenty years working in Community Aged Care and other areas of Aged Care. She has always enjoyed listening to the stories shared by her clients and supporting them in their day-to-day lives.
Outside of work, Neva enjoys spending time with family and friends, sharing plenty of laughs along the way. She also works with children outside of school hours and finds great joy in watching them grow into amazing young adults.
Known for her love of meaningful quotes, she keeps them posted all around her kitchen – some that spark deep thought, and others that simply brighten her day. Here’s one of her favourites: If plan ‘A’ doesn’t work, the Alphabet has 25 more letters – 204 if you’re in Japan – Claire Cook.
What does the Pastoral Care Worker do?
Our Pastoral Care Worker offers a supportive presence throughout the school, helping students feel safe, valued, and understood. Their role includes:
- Providing one-on-one and small group support to students
- Offering a safe, confidential space to talk about personal or emotional issues
- Assisting with friendship building and social skills development
- Supporting families through challenges and transitions
- Promoting wellbeing through school-wide programs and initiatives
- Working alongside teachers, counsellors, and community services to provide holistic care
Whether a student needs someone to talk to, help navigating a tough time, or just a friendly face around the school, our Pastoral Care Worker is here to help.
If you’d like more information or would like to connect with Neva, please contact the school office.
Buddy Classes
Each class has a buddy class within the school which come together for learning opportunities. They are important as they promote social interaction and collaboration between different age groups, fostering a sense of community and belonging within the school.
Buddy classes provide younger students with role models and mentors, enhancing their confidence and social skills. Additionally, buddy classes encourage older students to develop leadership and empathy, contributing to their personal growth and responsibility.
Some examples of activities buddy classes do together at Hackham East Primary School are, walk in the book week parade, sharing published writing, reading together, STEM challenges, Reconciliation Week and Bullying No Way Day activities.