ABSTRACT

School belonging has been found to be an essential component for student wellbeing, academic outcomes, and psychological and physical health. Concerningly, it is estimated that approximately 1 in 3 students do not feel a sense of belonging to school. It is imperative that a student’s sense of school belonging is prioritised and valued within a school setting. The purpose of this policy is to outline the shared responsibility of belonging for the whole school community inclusive of parents, staff, teachers, students, and school leadership. The policy emphasises that every individual within a school community has the right to feel a sense of belonging to school and has a responsibility to help others feel a sense of belonging to school also.