Reimagining Re-engagement: A Wellbeing-First Approach to School Avoidance
Tracks
PRINCE ROOM - In-Person Only
| Wednesday, March 18, 2026 |
| 11:25 AM - 11:45 AM |
Overview
Jenna Auer, Impact Community Academy
Presenter
Ms Jenna Auer
Principal
Impact Community Academy
Reimagining Re-engagement: A Wellbeing-First Approach to School Avoidance
Presentation Overview
Impact Community ACADEMY is a special assistance school located in Bundaberg, Queensland, supporting young people who have disengaged or are at risk of disengaging from mainstream education. Many of our students have experienced school avoidance, often linked to complex personal, social and emotional challenges.
This presentation will share how Impact ACADEMY has developed a wellbeing-first approach to re-engagement, placing physical, social, emotional and mental health needs at the centre of the learning experience. By embedding wellbeing into the school's culture and curriculum, we aim to create an environment where students feel supported to return to learning in their own time and way.
Key elements of our model include trauma-informed practices, adaptability, along with student voice and agency. These strategies are designed to meet students where they are, reduce barriers to participation, and foster a sense of belonging and purpose.
How success is measured in ways that go beyond traditional outcomes, recognising growth in confidence, relationships and engagement will also be explored. The integration of social and emotional learning into everyday routines and curriculum will be addressed, highlighting its role in shaping a responsive and inclusive school culture.
The role of staff relationships, community partnerships and non-academic programming in supporting re-engagement will also be discussed. Real-world examples will be used to illustrate how these approaches have helped students reconnect with education and build confidence in themselves and their futures.
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, this presentation will reflect on what we've learned through practice and how we continue to adapt in response to student needs. It is intended to contribute to broader conversations about inclusive education and the importance of wellbeing in addressing students challenged by our current school systems.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Recognising the importance of prioritising students' physical, social, emotional and mental health as a foundation for re-engagement.
2. Exploring alternative ways to measure student success that extend beyond traditional academic outcomes.
3. Understanding how social and emotional learning can be integrated into daily curriculum and embedded within school culture.
This presentation will share how Impact ACADEMY has developed a wellbeing-first approach to re-engagement, placing physical, social, emotional and mental health needs at the centre of the learning experience. By embedding wellbeing into the school's culture and curriculum, we aim to create an environment where students feel supported to return to learning in their own time and way.
Key elements of our model include trauma-informed practices, adaptability, along with student voice and agency. These strategies are designed to meet students where they are, reduce barriers to participation, and foster a sense of belonging and purpose.
How success is measured in ways that go beyond traditional outcomes, recognising growth in confidence, relationships and engagement will also be explored. The integration of social and emotional learning into everyday routines and curriculum will be addressed, highlighting its role in shaping a responsive and inclusive school culture.
The role of staff relationships, community partnerships and non-academic programming in supporting re-engagement will also be discussed. Real-world examples will be used to illustrate how these approaches have helped students reconnect with education and build confidence in themselves and their futures.
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, this presentation will reflect on what we've learned through practice and how we continue to adapt in response to student needs. It is intended to contribute to broader conversations about inclusive education and the importance of wellbeing in addressing students challenged by our current school systems.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Recognising the importance of prioritising students' physical, social, emotional and mental health as a foundation for re-engagement.
2. Exploring alternative ways to measure student success that extend beyond traditional academic outcomes.
3. Understanding how social and emotional learning can be integrated into daily curriculum and embedded within school culture.
Biography
Jenna Auer is the Founding Principal of Impact Community Academy, Bundaberg’s newest special assistance school. With a Master of Education (Special Educational Needs) and a Bachelor of Education (Primary), she has led inclusive education for over seven years. After relocating from Victoria, Jenna brought a strong commitment to wellbeing-focused education. She has developed programs that support vulnerable youth in accessing senior secondary education. Her approach integrates applied learning principles with connected curriculum and trauma-informed practice. Jenna champions environments where behaviour is understood as communication and every student feels safe, valued, and empowered through meaningful relationships and holistic support.
