New Stewart House School principal Pete Wilson, and wellbeing dog, Bowie, are leading the charge in fostering personal growth and resilience in students.

“I was attracted to Stewart House because of its focus on wellbeing, positive psychology, and outdoor education,” Mr Wilson said.

“It’s the magic that it does for these kids in their lives, to have a break from whatever trauma or difficulty they have experienced.”

Stewart House School is a NSW Department of Education ‘School for Specific Purposes’ (SSP) and delivers a dedicated 12-day wellbeing program for children in Years 2 to 8 from public schools across the state.

The program supports students who have experienced trauma or challenges in their lives.

Mr Wilson said students who had faced isolation, or came from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, were also supported by the program.

The school provides these students with an enriching environment that builds upon their physical, social and emotional wellbeing.

Bowie, the school’s wellbeing dog, makes up part of this environment, supporting students to regulate their emotions.

Mr Wilson said many of the students who attended Stewart House School had not spent much time in Sydney, so the school gave them a unique opportunity to take part in excursions to some of Sydney’s most iconic sites.

The students embark on excursions every second day at the school, to places like Taronga Zoo, the SEALIFE Sydney Aquarium, Madame Tussauds and Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.

Mr Wison said he’d already witnessed the profound impact that the school’s beachside setting had on students, especially those who had faced trauma or adversity.

“I have a passionate commitment to outdoor education and the ability for outdoor environments to be a place where people can connect together,” he said.

“It is a beautiful location and to see the children arrive when they get off the coach and realise they’re directly opposite a beach is amazing.”

One young girl in particular has left an impact on Mr Wilson.

“She got off the bus and with big eyes said, ‘Stewart House is the best place’,” he said.

The change of scenery, combined with the supportive programs offered, allow students to focus on their personal development in a more relaxed and positive environment.

Before stepping into his new role, Mr Wilson served as the deputy principal at Marsden High School for seven years. Combined with his experience as head history teacher at two different schools, Mr Wilson has built a strong foundation in leadership, student wellbeing and curriculum.

A uniquely nurturing program

The Stewart House School works collaboratively with the Stewart House Organisation to provide holistic care for about 1,600 students every year.

The expert teaching staff run classes focused on building self-confidence, emotional resilience and lifelong self-regulation skills.

Concurrently, the Stewart House Organisation staff, who have social work, health and psychology backgrounds, address the children’s health needs.

Students receive optical, dental, audio and general health and wellbeing checks while at the school.

“We’re really trying to turn around these kids’ lives, including through medical interventions that can make a difference later in their lives, "Mr Wilson said.

“We want them to return to their school environment and connect better.”

Stewart House School also has a strong emphasis on Aboriginal education. With a third of their students having an Aboriginal background, the school places a significant focus on cultural understanding and respect.

“We have an Aboriginal Education Officer here who provides great support for the students,” Mr Wilson said, noting the school is playing its part in working towards Closing the Gap outcomes.

Help support the program

Many public school employees choose to make a small salary contribution each fortnight to help Stewart House. Contributing is easy – just follow this salary contribution page for Department of Education staff. You can also make a simple one-off donation to support the work of the Stewart House Organisation.