Wellbeing

Wellbeing is built into everyday life at Marrickville High School, not an add-on, but part of how we help every student thrive. Through mentoring programs, respectful relationships education, our Student Recognition Program, and inclusive wellbeing days, we give students the tools to build confidence, resilience, and strong connections with their peers and community.

How we support student wellbeing

At Marrickville High School, supporting each student's mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing is part of everyday school life.

We do this through:

• teachers who help students feel welcome and included
• access to school counsellors, school psychologists and specialist staff
• programs that support health, social skills, attendance and positive behaviour
• help for students who are new or changing year levels
• clear expectations for behaviour and respectful relationships
• staff who get to know each child and work closely with families
• developing health care plans for students
• open communication about wellbeing and support

Visit Our principal and staff to learn about our wellbeing and specialist support staff.

Student recognition program and house points

Marrickville High School's Student Recognition Program celebrates students across Years 7 to 12 for academic progress, leadership, extracurricular participation, and school pride. Students earn House Points for their achievements, recognising individual success while contributing to their House's overall standing.

The program aims to:

• Recognise and reward positive behaviours and achievements
• Foster a sense of belonging and connection across the school
• Enhance student engagement and support learning outcomes

Our Year 11 House Captains, selected through a rigorous nomination and interview process, lead the way in organising fundraisers, House events, and celebrations, supported by dedicated House Patrons.

Students reaching milestones of 100, 200, 350, and 500 points are recognised with Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, as well as the prestigious Marrickville Medal, with top achievers receiving trophies and vouchers at Presentation Day.

House success is celebrated too. Our Semester 1 winning House enjoy a House barbecue, while our Semester 2 top point champions celebrate with an excursion to Luna Park.

Marrickville High School celebrates four Houses: Red, Blue, Green and Yellow. House Launch Day is kicked off with a colour run, games on the ovals and a delicious barbecue run by our SRC.

Mentoring & group programs

Top Blokes Mentoring Program
Building healthy, safe and resilient futures

An in-school mentoring program for our Year 9 boys, run by qualified Youth Workers across two terms. Students explore leadership, resilience, mental health, and positive masculinity, guided by a dedicated male mentor, including our own Principal.

Sessions cover real, relevant topics like relationships, self-awareness, and making healthy choices, helping students build confidence and a strong, positive sense of identity.

Raise Mentoring Program
Building confidence through connection

A mentoring program for identified Year 8 students, matched with a trained volunteer mentor from the community for regular one-on-one check-ins throughout the year.

Students build confidence, resilience, and engagement through consistent, positive relationships with their mentor.

Love Bites: Respectful Relationships Education
Respectful relationships & consent education

Run annually with our Student Support Officer and facilitators from Inner West Council, Love Bites gives students the chance to explore respectful relationships and consent through open, guided discussion.

Digital Thumbprint: Online Safety Program
Staying safe and smart online

Running each year for Years 7 to 11, this program covers online safety, cybersecurity, and digital discernment, helping students understand their responsibilities and make good choices online.

Wellbeing days

Marrickville High School celebrates several wellbeing days throughout the year, including Wear It Purple Day, R U OK Day, and Harmony Day:

Wear It Purple Day
Celebrating and supporting our LGBTQI+ students and community. MHS students and teachers wear purple mufti dress, with a cake stall, competitions, live music, and craft activities on the day.

R U OK? Day
Encouraging students to check in with one another and start conversations about mental health. Students participate in a meaningful one-on-one wellbeing check-in with their teachers, followed by an SRC run barbecue and of course lots of yellow mufti!

Harmony Day: Celebrating Cultural Diversity
Celebrating cultural diversity and inclusiveness across our school community. Students dress in cultural attire, share food that represents their heritage, and enjoy music from cultures around the world. It's also an important day for connecting with our Intensive English Centre students, as both schools come together and build lasting friendships.

Need support for your child's wellbeing?

Get in touch to talk about the right support for your child.

Contact us