Mindfulness in schools: what local programs are available

Three Gold Coast schools introduced daily 10-minute mindfulness exercises for students in Years 3 to 8 starting in Term 2 this year.

Student wellbeing reports from the Queensland Department of Education show rising anxiety referrals across the region, with local counsellors noting a 22 percent increase in appointments at Gold Coast schools between 2024 and 2025. Families juggling work, sport and school runs cite the same pressures, and educators say simple breathing and attention practices fit into existing timetables without extra staffing costs.

Programs running at two schools

Currumbin State School on Currumbin Creek Road began its sessions in April after staff completed online training through a state-funded module. Teachers guide students through seated breathing at the start of morning classes and again before lunch. Robina State School on Ron Penhaligon Way added a similar block for its middle years cohort in May, using the same 10-minute format and tracking participation through class rolls. Both schools run the activities in regular classrooms rather than pulling students out for separate groups.

Parents can request the session outlines through each school office. No fees apply for the core program, though some families have paid $45 for optional take-home audio tracks recorded by a local instructor based in Burleigh Heads.

Early numbers and next steps

A 2025 Queensland Education audit of 47 schools found that classes using daily mindfulness recorded a 15 percent reduction in reported disruptions over one semester. Gold Coast schools that began in Term 2 will submit their first participation counts by the end of July. Families wanting details can call the front office at either Currumbin State School or Robina State School or check the school newsletter section on the department website for session times and any upcoming parent information evenings.