This week, The Knox School had the privilege of welcoming clinical psychologist Dr Hayley Watson, the creator of the innovative Open Parachute program, for an inspiring and impactful visit focused on student wellbeing and mental health.
Open Parachute is an evidence-based program designed to support young people in developing the skills they need to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience. Developed by Dr Watson, the program is grounded in psychological research and tailored specifically for school communities, from Kindergarten through to Year 12.
Throughout her visit, Dr Watson shared insights into how Open Parachute empowers students to better understand their emotions, strengthen their relationships, and build practical coping strategies. At its core, the program combines engaging, real-world storytelling with meaningful classroom learning experiences.
Students benefit from:
- Real stories and documentary-style videos featuring young people sharing authentic experiences
- Guided classroom discussions and interactive activities
- Research-based psychological strategies
- Peer-to-peer learning approaches that feel relevant and relatable
The focus of Open Parachute is prevention and early intervention – equipping students with mental health and wellbeing skills before challenges become overwhelming.
By addressing these topics in an open and supportive environment, Open Parachute helps students build resilience, develop emotional awareness, and gain the confidence to seek help when they need it.
Importantly, the program extends beyond the classroom. It also provides valuable resources for teachers and parents, ensuring students are supported both at school and at home.
Deputy Head of Junior School, Ms Sarah McKenzie shared:
“It gives me great comfort knowing our students are in such good hands as we continue to equip them with the skills and understanding they need to thrive in what can sometimes feel like a challenging world.
We are passionate about wellbeing as a matter of prevention, ensuring our students not only cope, but flourish now and into the future. At TKS, the mantra that “wellbeing teaching” is non-negotiable is something we genuinely value and nurture within our community.”
In the Junior School, student wellbeing is supported through a layered and proactive approach to mental health education. Open Parachute acts as the overarching wellbeing framework, explicitly teaching students practical mental health skills such as emotional regulation, resilience, self-awareness, coping strategies and healthy relationships.
This whole-school approach is strengthened through additional targeted programs that support specific aspects of student wellbeing and safety. Programs such as The Cyber Safety Project focus on digital literacy, online etiquette, respectful online interactions and navigating friendships in digital spaces.
Alongside this, TKS delivers school-based Body Safety and Body Works programs, which support students’ understanding of consent, personal boundaries, help-seeking strategies and trusted adults in age-appropriate ways.
Underpinning all of this is something equally important, though often less explicit – the strong, respectful relationships students develop with their teachers and peers. We know that students thrive when they feel known, safe and connected. A strong sense of belonging and positive relationships within the classroom create the foundation upon which wellbeing, learning and personal growth can flourish.
A key supporter of Open Parachute is The Sebastian Foundation, founded by Guy and Jules Sebastian. Through its generous support, the foundation helps subsidise access to the program, enabling more schools to prioritise mental health education and student wellbeing.
The Knox School is proud to be part of this important initiative and extends its sincere thanks to Dr Hayley Watson for sharing her expertise and passion. Together, we continue to foster a school environment where every student feels supported, understood, and empowered to thrive.
