MHiPS in Victoria

MHiPS in Victoria

Following development of the MHiPS model, MHiPS was launched as a pilot in 10 Victorian schools in 2020. It was subsequently expanded to 26 schools, and then 100 schools – with each expansion subject to an evaluation. In 2022, on the basis of the evaluation findings, the Victorian Government confirmed they would commit $200 million to a statewide expansion of MHiPS. Statewide expansion commenced in 2023, and MHiPS is due to reach every government and low-fee non-government primary school in the state by 2026.

Findings from the evaluation of MHiPS in Victorian schools have been overwhelmingly positive, and as statewide expansion of MHiPS in Victoria continues, the MHiPS team will continue to monitor and evaluate progress. The latest evaluation results can be found in our reports.

“We are definitely noticing a difference with staff. I think the change comes from understanding that these [student] behaviours aren’t personal or this child isn’t doing things just to be hurtful or because they want attention, but there is an underlying reason and they need the support – and I think that’s really changed the thinking around the school.”

(MHWL, 2023 MHiPS school, Victoria)

“I’ve observed calm classrooms, students who are more assured, feel safer and supported, and improvement in our student survey.”

(Staff member, 2023 MHiPS school, Victoria)

MHiPS implementation case study – Lucas Primary School

Lucas Primary School in Ballarat joined the MHiPS pilot in 2022. This video outlines how they embedded MHiPS with a whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing, and explores the long-term benefits for the school community.

MHiPS implementation case study – Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School

Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist School has implemented MHiPS effectively in a specialist school setting since 2022. This video explains how MHiPS has supported their students’ individual needs, and works alongside existing mental health and wellbeing approaches in the school, including Respectful Relationships.

MHiPS implementation case study – The Basin Primary School

The Basin Primary School is in its first year implementing MHiPS. The staff share their experiences and insights about early implementation and their plans for the future of MHiPS and the MHWL role.

MHiPS implementation case study – St Mary’s Primary School

St Mary’s School is a small rural Catholic primary school in Donald, in its second year of implementation. In this video, staff share how MHiPS works in their small setting, including how student voice is highly valued by the school community.