PESA Digital PD: Connected School Communities

Connected School Communities

Presented by Leanne Jones (MAPP), Positive Education Leader.

The significance of community and belonging has been extensively documented by researchers as essential components of our overall wellbeing. This session seeks to translate these findings into actionable insights for educational settings, focusing on fostering a sense of connectedness and belonging within school communities.

This session will:

• Explore the concept of student connectedness and the importance of thriving school communities.
• Examine Australian students' feelings of connectedness and belonging in their educational environments through current data and the subsequent impact of on their wellbeing.
• Address the critical need for school staff to cultivate and sustain their own wellbeing, both professionally and personally.
• Equip participants with strategies to foster deeper relationships within classrooms and the broader school community.

The session will provide a platform for collaboration and discussion, allowing participants to share insights and develop practical approaches to building a more connected and supportive educational environment.

About the presenter

Leanne Jones is an experienced educator and wellbeing practitioner with over 15 years in education. She began her teaching career in a North London Pupil-Referral Unit, where she saw firsthand how community—or its absence—impacts student wellbeing, behavior, and academic success.

After teaching in South London, Leanne moved to Melbourne in 2019 and now serves as a Positive Education Leader at Albert Park College, fostering a supportive environment for students and staff.

Passionate about belonging and positive communities, she completed a Master of Applied Positive Psychology at Melbourne University in 2021. Leanne continues to research and apply wellbeing science to enhance education and holistic student development.