Student Well-Being

At Springfield Secondary, student well-being is at the heart of all we do. Our tiered Student Well-Being Framework ensures that every Springfielder feels safe, supported, and connected. More than just pastoral care, it is a developmental approach that equips students with vital socio-emotional competencies and life skills to thrive in school and beyond.

Our broad-based programmes support the holistic development of all Springfielders, while additional higher-tiered support is available for students with specialised needs, including those related to mental health and learning differences. 

Signature Programmes that Anchor Holistic Development

Springfield’s Signature Programmes to Support Student Well-Being

1. Start-It-Right

The Start-It-Right (SIR) Programme is a signature initiative tailored to provide Springfielders with a holistic and purposeful start to the academic year. Designed to be progressively structured from Secondary 1 to 5, SIR supports students’ smooth transition by addressing multiple domains of growth — including academic readiness, digital literacy, classroom culture, and personal, emotional, and social well-being.

Through experiential, hands-on activities, students:

• Participate in class-bonding experiences that promote positive relationships and a supportive classroom culture;

• Engage in routines and practices that cultivate productive habits and a strong sense of personal responsibility;

• Develop essential life competencies such as teamwork, communication, and adaptability through engaging activities and games.

  Welcoming Our Secondary 1s

Highlights from our 2025 Sec 1 SIR Programme

For our Secondary 1 students, SIR marks their very first experience as Springfielders, and is intentionally designed to be a warm, inclusive, and memorable welcome into our school community.

Student leaders play a central role in co-designing and facilitating the experience, guiding their juniors through activities, sharing stories, and modelling Springfield values in action. These authentic interactions lay the foundation for positive peer relationships and a strong sense of belonging.

The SIR experience for Sec 1s culminates in a joyful and meaningful Campfire Night, where parents are invited to witness the growth and bonds their children have formed, as well as to enjoy performances the classes have worked hard to put together.

A Strong Start for All Levels

Guided by their Form Teachers, students at every level co-create class norms, establish a shared identity, and begin the year with clarity and confidence. The SIR programme sets the tone for a school year where every Springfielder is empowered to grow in character, confidence, and connection - right from day one.

2. Make-It-Matter Days

Held at the start of each term, Make-It-Matter Days are intentionally designed to help Springfielders re-centre, refocus, and begin each new chapter of learning with clarity and purpose. These days empower students to make each moment count, reinforcing the idea that their actions and growth truly matter. Anchored in Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL), the sessions emphasize core school values and key 21st Century Competencies, motivating students to take greater ownership of their personal growth and learning journey.

While each Make-It-Matter session is customized to the unique needs, strengths, and developmental priorities of each cohort, common features include:

• Target-setting and reflection sessions to help students set clear goals and recognise their growth;

• Addresses by School Leaders or Year Heads to reinforce key values and provide motivation;

• Lessons on Positive Education, CCE or ECG, tailored to help students navigate life’s challenges; and

• Activities that strengthen self-management and resilience, empowering students to take greater ownership of their learning.

3. End-of-Semester Reflections

At the end of every Semester, End-of-Semester Reflections encourage students to pause, take stock, and celebrate how far they’ve come. Spread across two milestone points – Midway Milestones (end of Semester 1) and Finish Strong (end of Semester 2) – the programme nurtures reflective, appreciative learners.

End-of-Semester reflections are time for:

• Guided reflections that help students surface insights, express gratitude, and recognise people and moments that shaped their journey;

• Celebratory activities that honour achievements and affirm Springfielders’ values and effort. These set a forward-looking tone, reinforce belonging, and inspire students for the next phase; and

• Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences allowing for students, parents, and teachers to reflect together on academic and personal development to strengthen home-school collaboration.

Additional Support for Student Needs

At Springfield, we provide a range of programmes and support initiatives to help students overcome learning barriers and reach their full academic potential. The focus is on early and intentional support to address learning gaps or social-emotional difficulties. To do so, the school equips students with the skills and strategies to help students build resilience, improve self-regulation, develop positive relationships, and have confidence.

The need for additional support may be raised by students or parents directly to teachers, or teachers may also suggest this to parents if they observe any concerns about a student.

We adopt a tiered system of support in triaging student needs and the level of support to be provided. This ensures students receive support that is proportionate to their level of need, allowing the school to intervene early and more effectively. The support can take various forms, such as small group sessions, individual counselling, targeted academic coaching, or social-emotional learning programmes.

The Support Tree Framework: Nurturing Every Student to Thrive

Just like a tree needs roots, sunlight, water, and care to grow strong and tall, we believe students need intentional and diverse support structures to flourish in their educational journey. The Support Tree Framework represents how various layers of support in Springfield are interconnected and essential for holistic student development.

At the root of the Support Tree is the belief that every student is unique and may require different kinds of help at different times. This foundational mindset anchors the school’s support strategies and promotes equity, empathy, and inclusiveness in education. 

The school provides tailored support in the following key domains (branches): 

Academic Support 

• In-class Support - Equitable access to learning through accommodation and differentiated instruction

• Pull-out Interventions – Enhancing literacy, numeracy, or executive functioning skills

• Learning Support Programmes - Bridging learning gaps and providing out-of-school experiential learning

Social-Emotional Support 

• Counselling Services – Nurturing mental well-being 

• Mentoring Programmes – Building trust and guidance 

• Check-Ins with Adults – Creating safe, supportive connections

Behavioural Support 

• Intervention Plans – Intentional, planned support systems

• Teacher-Student Conferencing – Personalized guidance moments 

• Positive Reinforcement – Encouraging good choices 

• At-Risk Student Programmes - Promote positive behaviours and mindsets

Similar to how the tree’s canopy is far reaching and grows to expand the shelter provided, the school also collaborates beyond its walls to provide support for all learners. 

External Collaborations 

• Family Partnerships – Involving parents in the students’ development 

• Community Partners – Working with partners like Tasek Sailors, MENDAKI, SAMH, AWWA, Care Corner and others

• Wider Support Networks – Addressing ecological and socio-economic challenges by engaging organisations such as Family Service Centres and ComLink+

  

Just like sunlight sustains a tree, constant review and adaptation fuel the success of support provisions. We regularly reflect on the effectiveness of these supports and adjust them based on the evolving needs of our students.

When all parts of the Support Tree Framework are nurtured, students are empowered not just to survive, but to grow, thrive, and blossom—academically, emotionally, and socially.

The Student Support Team

The Springfield Student Support Team plays a vital role in nurturing the holistic development and well-being of our students. Comprising dedicated professionals such as School Counsellors (SCs), Special Educational Needs Officers (SENOs), Student Welfare Officers (SWOs), Teacher Counsellors (TCs) and an Education Career Guidance Counsellor (ECGC), the team works collaboratively to provide timely and targeted support. Through close collaboration with teachers, parents, and external partners, the Student Support Team ensures that every student receives the necessary guidance and support to progress confidently in their educational journey.

Mental Health Support

For students who may require additional mental health support beyond what the school can offer, we work closely with trusted external agencies to ensure timely and professional assistance. These organisations provide specialised care and resources to support students’ well-being. Should the need arise, students and parents can reach out directly or through the school for referrals. For more information, please visit the following resources: