Wellbeing and inclusivity sit at the heart of Merri-Bek Primary School, and Principal Maria Giordano wouldn’t have it any other way. Since receiving the Victorian Principals Association (VPA) Study Award in 2020, Maria has been working to support resilience and positive wellbeing behaviours amongst students.  

Proudly sponsored by Bank First, the VPA Study Award enables principals to take part in study tours to upskill and continue learning in their chosen field. 

Through her study tour, Maria completed a positive psychology course, attended the Happiness Conference in Sydney and took part in a Victoria University research project.

‘For students to achieve academically, their mental health needs to be right,' said Maria.  

To see the baseline for students’ mental health and wellbeing, Maria implemented a survey where students were able to provide input, 'giving them voice and agency over the questions'. 

'When we unpacked that data with students and the community, we decided to continue our work with positive psychology but also introduce the resilience project,' said Maria. 

Positive psychology is the study of behaviours that empower individuals and communities to thrive. For Merri-Bek students, the impact has been significant. Students scored 11 percentile points higher than average on standardised achievement tests and teachers are reporting far fewer disruptive behaviours. ‘We’re setting students up for success and giving them the best opportunities to learn’. 

Maria has also introduced mental health and wellbeing leaders and ‘green chronicles’ to celebrate students’ wins with parents.  

Beyond the school’s wellbeing room, Maria’s own office has become a safe place for students who need to take a moment to reset. 'Kids can come in at any time. Gone are the days of traditional principals’ offices which you went to for making a bad choice'.  

It’s important to Maria that Merri-Bek primary school accommodates a range of learning styles and abilities. 'We’re diverse in terms of the adjustments we make for students’ learning. For me, as a Principal, I want every student to feel comfortable being who they want to be without feeling that they won’t be respected'.  

‘I’m so grateful to Bank First for giving me this opportunity. It’s been eye-opening and successful. To see where we’ve come as a school, from when I started the study tour to where we are now, we’re all so proud,’ said Maria.  

Bank First remains committed to championing teachers and supporting innovation through initiatives like the VPA Study Award.

Learn more about the VPA Study Award, and how you can apply.