The project, called Nga Tapa Wha, is the brainchild of the Bradford, Opoho and Mornington school communities, and the Otago Community Trust (OCT) is supporting its launch with $240,000 in funding.
Over the next three years it will target in-class programmes, professional development and community support initiatives to address the growing challenges all schools face in supporting children with complex mental health and wellbeing issues.
Bradford School principal Melissa Mitchell-Bain said it was part of the "wider societal picture".
"We are seeing an increasing number of children with high and complex needs who are not currently resourced sufficiently.
"Research shows these children are at high risk educationally and in functioning as contributing citizens in society as adults."
She said the OCT funding would allow the schools to use a "suite of research-based approaches" to develop emotional, social and regulation skills within children, share information with families, and share expertise between all schools for the benefit of all children.
Mrs Mitchell-Bain, who is on a Ministry of Education study sabbatical at present, said the research was clear.
"The earlier we can grow key life and self-regulation skills with children and whanau, strengthen relationships and sense of belonging, the better the outcome for their lives, their families and our society as a whole."
Opoho School principal Jenny Clarke said the programme was aimed at strengthening the lives of pupils by partnering with parents to build the solid foundations for their children's mental health and wellbeing.
"To have the support of the OCT means we are in a stronger position to address the complex range of issues our children and their families contend with every day, such as anxiety, trauma, and behavioural self-control."
Mornington School principal Brent Caldwell said one only had to look at the data coming out of the Dunedin Longitudinal Study to see the merit of targeting the growing needs of children in these areas.
"In order to learn, all children need to be supported to be resilient, healthy thinkers.
"By enabling them to develop key skills for life through programmes such as `Play is the Way', the `Rock and Water Programme' and providing support for all the issues and worries they face, we are enabling them to succeed for life.
"The OCT's support will have a direct impact on the lives of these Otago children now and in the future."
Silverstream School, in Mosgiel, also received $53,740 from the same OCT fund, to continue running its programme, which initiates preschool children into primary school.
Need help?
General mental health inquiries: 0800 443-366
The Depression Helpline: 0800 111-757
Youthline:
0800 376-633, txt 234 or talk@youthline.co.nz
What’s Up (for 5-18 year olds; 1pm-11pm):
0800 942-8787
Kidsline (aimed at children up to age 14; 4pm-
6pm weekdays): 0800 54-37-54 (0800 kidsline)
