Derrimut Primary School is proud to be part of the Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) initiative, a Victorian Government program designed to strengthen the mental health and wellbeing support available to children in primary school. Through this initiative, we are building a whole‑school approach that helps students feel safe, connected and ready to learn.

Our MHiPS Leader works alongside teachers, support staff and families to promote early identification of wellbeing needs and to ensure students receive the right support at the right time. This role strengthens our capacity to create a positive, nurturing environment where every child can thrive.

How MHIPS Supports Our School

Through the MHiPS initiative, we are continually developing staff knowledge and confidence to:

• Recognise early signs of mental health or wellbeing concerns in the classroom
• Strengthen referral pathways for students who may require additional assessment or specialist support
• Implement evidence‑based wellbeing strategies within classrooms and across the school
• Build strong partnerships with families and external services to support student wellbeing holistically

MHiPS complements our existing wellbeing programs and aligns with our school values of Respect, Responsibility and Safety, helping us create a supportive environment where students feel understood, cared for and ready to learn.

Families can learn more about Mental Health in Primary Schools through the Department of Education’s information resources: 

Mental Health in Schools : Advice | education.vic.gov.au