wellness
Mindfulness in schools: what local programs are available
Cairns schools have rolled out structured mindfulness sessions this term to support student focus and emotional regulation.
How we reported this
Cairns primary and secondary schools began offering weekly mindfulness and meditation classes in Term 2 of 2026, with sessions running at multiple campuses including Edge Hill State School and Trinity Bay State High School.
Interest has grown because parents and teachers report rising stress levels among students juggling exams, screen time and family schedules in a regional city where many households rely on tourism and seasonal work.
Programs operating at specific Cairns sites
Edge Hill State School on Russell Street runs a 20-minute guided meditation block every Tuesday morning for Years 4 to 6, delivered by staff trained through the local branch of the Mindfulness in Education network. Trinity Bay State High School on Severin Street added an after-school drop-in meditation room open three afternoons a week, equipped with mats and audio guides sourced from Atherton Tablelands wellness suppliers. A separate initiative at Cairns Central State School near the railway station offers shorter breathing exercises integrated into homeroom time for Year 7 students.
A 2025 Queensland Department of Education survey found that 68 percent of participating schools recorded lower reported anxiety scores among students after eight weeks of consistent mindfulness practice, with average session costs listed at $12 per student for the term when schools partner with approved providers.
Next steps for families
Parents can request enrolment details directly through school offices or attend the next information evening scheduled for 22 July at the Cairns Regional Council chambers on Spence Street. Local GPs at Cairns Base Hospital also keep referral lists for families seeking additional support outside school hours.