Helping Your Child Feel Like They Belong at School

A strong sense of belonging is one of the most important foundations for a child’s success at school. Recent research from Monash University, The Science of Belonging 2026, highlights that students who feel accepted, valued, included and connected at school are more likely to be engaged in learning, experience positive wellbeing, and achieve stronger academic outcomes.

School belonging refers to students feeling accepted, respected, included, safe, and comfortable in their learning environment and the College supports these feelings through our culture (Bible-based, service focused, priority of connection), programs (Peer Support, Service/Missions, student voice) and events (Imago Day, Glow). All of this is motivated by Matthew 22:39 “love your neighbour as yourself”, and the consideration of how to meaningfully love others.

The research found that belonging is often measured as an outcome of a particular program but is rarely the main objective. The encouraging news is that parents play a powerful role in helping children build and maintain this sense of belonging.

Start Conversations That Matter
Instead of asking, “What did you learn today?”, try to consistently ask questions such as “Who did you spend time with today?”, “What made you smile?”, “Did you help someone, or did someone help you?”, or “When did you feel proud today?”. These conversations help children reflect on their relationships and experiences at school, which are key ingredients of belonging.

Encourage Connections
Research consistently shows that positive relationships with teachers and peers are among the strongest influences on a student’s sense of belonging. You can support these connections by:
• Encouraging involvement in sports, music, clubs, or other co-curricular activities.
• Helping your child maintain quality friendships outside school hours, including online.
• Modelling kindness, empathy, and inclusion in your own relating with others.
• Encouraging them to reach out to new classmates or students who may seem lonely.

Celebrate Your Child's Strengths, Not Just Successes
Children thrive when they feel valued for who they are, not just for what they achieve. Feeling that they matter is a powerful part of belonging. Take opportunities to notice and celebrate effort and persistence, kindness and compassion, creativity and curiosity, personal growth, and contributions to family and community. This drives more willingness to participate, contribute, and take on new challenges.

Stay Connected with the School 
A positive partnership between home and school helps children feel secure and supported. Family engagement is recognised as an important contributor to school belonging. Simple ways to stay connected include attending parent events and information evenings, reading school communications, reaching out to teachers if you have questions or concerns or showing interest in your child’s school experiences and activities.

Support Healthy Digital Habits
Today’s students experience belonging both online and offline. Positive online interactions can strengthen connection, while cyberbullying and exclusion can undermine it. Parents can help by talking regularly about online experiences, encouraging respectful digital behaviour, monitoring for signs of cyberbullying or exclusion, promoting a balance between screen time and face-to-face connections.

Notice The Signs
Occasional ups and downs are normal, but ongoing feelings of loneliness, reluctance to attend school, withdrawal from friends, or persistent anxiety may indicate that a child is struggling to feel connected. If you notice these signs, listen without judgement, reassure your child that they are not alone and contact the school for support and guidance. Show them they’re not alone.

Belonging is not created through a single event or program. It grows through everyday experiences of being known, valued, respected, and included. By working together, families and schools can help every child feel that they truly belong.

Colin Wood
Deputy Principal