Mindfulness in schools: what local programs are available

Several Adelaide schools began offering weekly mindfulness classes in term two, with sessions running at sites along North Terrace and near Moseley Square in Glenelg.

Interest has grown because families and teachers report rising stress levels among children returning to full schedules after disrupted years. Local education staff noticed more students seeking short breaks during the day, prompting schools to look for structured options that fit existing timetables rather than adding extra after-school demands.

Named programs operating now

The South Australian Department of Education runs the Calm Classrooms pilot at two sites. One operates at a primary school close to the Adelaide Botanic Gardens on North Terrace, where instructors guide breathing exercises and short walks through the gardens each Tuesday morning. Another meets at Glenelg Primary School near the beachfront, using the foreshore path for movement-based practices on Thursdays. Both draw on the 50-kilometre Linear Park trail for occasional longer sessions when weather allows.

Parents can also access the Mindful Kids Adelaide workshops held monthly at the Central Market precinct. These 45-minute sessions, open to school groups, started on 3 March 2025 and focus on simple techniques that students can repeat in classrooms without special equipment.

Next steps for families

Schools publish term calendars on their websites listing exact dates and room locations. Families wanting to join should contact the school wellbeing coordinator directly, as places fill quickly each term. The Department of Education advises anyone considering these programs for a child to speak first with the student’s classroom teacher and a local GP about individual needs.