How the Maroondah Positive Education Network supports schools
MPEN works collaboratively with local schools, the Department of Education and wellbeing partners to strengthen mental health and wellbeing across school communities. Through shared learning, professional networking and collaborative initiatives, MPEN helps schools create positive and supportive learning environments where students and staff can flourish.
MPEN supports the transition from HOPE Leaders to Mental Health and Wellbeing Leaders (MHWLs) and works alongside Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) and the Maroondah Wellbeing Educators (Primary) Network to strengthen wellbeing practice across local schools.
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Professional learning and network opportunities
The Maroondah Wellbeing Educators (Primary) Network brings together wellbeing educators from government, Catholic and independent schools to share knowledge, build connections and support positive wellbeing outcomes. The network meets regularly for professional networking, professional development, student workshops and parent resource sharing.
Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS)
In 2025, the Department of Education implemented the Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) project in the Outer East. As part of MHiPS every government primary school, and low-fee paying catholic and independent school now has a Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader (MHWL) who is responsible for focusing on student wellbeing, building staff capacity and providing early intervention pathways.
The Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) phase built on MPEN’s existing focus on early intervention, school capability and student wellbeing. This work continued the development of whole-school approaches to mental health and wellbeing, including:
- Strengthening connections between primary schools and mental health support
- Supporting schools to identify and respond to student wellbeing needs
- Continuing to build staff capability and wellbeing literacy
- Using evidence and student voice to guide future directions
- Continuing the Maroondah Positive Education Model and contributing to the evidence base for whole-school approaches to positive education, mental health and wellbeing
Interested in being involved in the network?
Schools across Maroondah are invited to connect with the Maroondah Positive Education Network and contribute to a collaborative community focused on student and staff mental health and wellbeing. To learn more about the network, its activities and how your school can get involved, please email youth@maroondah.vic.gov.au.
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