Wellbeing
The Whole Boy
Developing leadership, wellbeing, and community connection.
Our Core Values
Our school culture is grounded in five core values that guide how our boys learn, interact, and grow each day:
- Responsibility. We take ownership of our learning and look after our world. We think before we act and make positive choices.
- Inclusivity. We include others and make everyone feel welcome. We celebrate differences and value everyone's voice.
- Honesty. We tell the truth, even when it is hard. We take responsibility for our words and actions.
- Respect. We treat others the way we want to be treated. We listen, speak, and act with kindness and care.
- Perseverance. We keep trying, even when learning feels challenging. We learn from mistakes and don't give up.
Student Wellbeing
A boy who feels known, valued, and supported is empowered to thrive. At Coogee Prep, wellbeing is woven into daily school life, with classroom teachers providing consistent pastoral care and individual support for every student.
The Resilience Project
Through evidence-informed lessons centred on Gratitude, Empathy, and Mindfulness (GEM), boys develop emotional literacy, self-regulation, and practical strategies to navigate everyday challenges.
The House System
Every boy belongs to one of our three Houses: Nimmo, Storey, or McKeown. The House system fosters cross-year connections, building school spirit, healthy competition, and a strong sense of belonging.
Student Leadership & Service
Leadership at Coogee Prep is built on service, active responsibility, and contributing to the life of our school community.
Junior Duke
From 2027, boys from Kindergarten to Year 6 will participate in the Junior Duke program, developing practical skills, independence and confidence through a range of age-appropriate challenges.
The program is a partnership between school and home, giving boys opportunities to apply what they learn in everyday life. Challenges include cooking, first aid, home maintenance, budgeting and caring for the environment.
Year 6 Leadership Roles
At Coogee Prep, every Year 6 boy holds a leadership role across school, sport, House, or cultural activities. Our senior leaders help conduct Monday whole-school and Friday primary assemblies, and represent the school as ushers and assistants at school functions, sporting fixtures, and performing arts events.
These roles give boys practical responsibility and an active part in supporting our school community.
Kindergarten Buddy Program
Every Kindergarten boy is paired with a Year 6 Buddy when he begins at Coogee Prep. Older boys help their younger buddies settle into school life, offering friendship, guidance, and support in the playground throughout the year.
The Buddy Program builds direct connections between our senior leaders and our youngest students, reinforcing the supportive, close-knit community we value at Coogee Prep.
Community & Social Responsibility
Our responsibility to others extends beyond the school gates. Throughout the year, boys participate in fundraising campaigns, community initiatives, and service projects that encourage them to look beyond themselves and consider how they can help others.
These experiences are an established part of school life and reflect our belief that boys should understand their responsibility to the wider community.
Home and school, working together
The School encourages open communication between parents and teachers, to establish a strong and cooperative link between the home and the school.
A cohesive support network
Open communication is vital to each student's outlook and motivation. It ensures a boy feels both environments are providing a collaborative support network rather than two separate sets of expectations.
Measured risks, new challenges
Students are encouraged to take on measured risks and the new challenges presented, so that scholastic, social and personal resilience are real outcomes of their time here.