Starting Early: Embedding Mental Health Literacy in Primary Schools through Student-Led Learning
Tracks
MONARCH ROOM - In-Person & Virtual via OnAIR
| Tuesday, March 17, 2026 |
| 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM |
Overview
Irene Foulis, headspace
Presenter
Irene Foulis
National Program Manager
headspace
Starting Early: Embedding Mental Health Literacy in Primary Schools through Student-Led Learning
Presentation Overview
This interactive 90-minute workshop introduces a new initiative within the Mental Health Education Program (MHEP) aimed at increasing mental health literacy among Year 5 and 6 students across Australian schools. Recognising the importance of early intervention, the workshop showcases the development of age-appropriate, student-led mental health education workshops designed to build foundational knowledge, reduce stigma, and promote help-seeking behaviours in upper primary school settings.
Grounded in principles of youth agency, co-design, and peer-to-peer influence, the session will guide participants through hands-on activities that reflect the participatory methods used in the creation and delivery of these workshops. Educators and wellbeing staff will explore how to scaffold student leadership, embed mental health concepts across the curriculum, and create inclusive learning environments that support wellbeing from an early age.
Real-world examples from pilot programs will be shared, demonstrating how primary-aged students can actively contribute to shaping mentally healthy school cultures. Attendees will leave with practical tools, adaptable resources, and inspiration to implement student-led mental health education in their own school communities.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Understand the importance of early mental health literacy and its impact on student wellbeing.
2. Explore participatory and age-appropriate methods for engaging Year 5/6 students in mental health education.
3. Identify strategies to embed student voice and mental health concepts across the primary curriculum.
Grounded in principles of youth agency, co-design, and peer-to-peer influence, the session will guide participants through hands-on activities that reflect the participatory methods used in the creation and delivery of these workshops. Educators and wellbeing staff will explore how to scaffold student leadership, embed mental health concepts across the curriculum, and create inclusive learning environments that support wellbeing from an early age.
Real-world examples from pilot programs will be shared, demonstrating how primary-aged students can actively contribute to shaping mentally healthy school cultures. Attendees will leave with practical tools, adaptable resources, and inspiration to implement student-led mental health education in their own school communities.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Understand the importance of early mental health literacy and its impact on student wellbeing.
2. Explore participatory and age-appropriate methods for engaging Year 5/6 students in mental health education.
3. Identify strategies to embed student voice and mental health concepts across the primary curriculum.
Biography
Irene Foulis (she/her) lives and works on Kaurna Country. She is the National Program Manager for headspace’s Schools & Communities Division, where she leads the Mental Health Education Program (MHEP). Irene brings a diverse background in the mental health sector, with experience spanning student wellbeing program development, community engagement, recovery-based mentoring, therapeutic group facilitation, and Mental Health First Aid training. She has also led numerous collaborative projects focused on innovation and inclusion. Irene is passionate about strengthening teams, delivering impactful initiatives, and creating environments where young people, families, and communities can thrive.
