Wellbeing

The Wellbeing Team is made up of the following members:

Stephen MacPherson – Youth Counsellor
Breanna Dimitrievski – Mental Health Practitioner
Emma Shelton – Youth Worker
Gioconda Ceravolo – Psychologist
Nicolette Ross – Wellbeing Admin

Duties of the Wellbeing Team include:

• Counselling students who have personal, social or emotional problems which are affecting their ability to participate fully at school
• Linking students and/or their families with outside resources and agencies (as necessary) and to provide ongoing support to students that are referred
• Interpreting the problems/needs of individuals to teachers and coordinators so that the College can respond effectively to each students’ needs
• Providing academic assessments as requested by staff and parents
• Supporting the wellbeing role of all teachers
• Initiating appropriate proactive programs in the area of wellbeing

State Schools’ Relief

Families experiencing financial hardship are able to connect with the wellbeing team leader to discuss supports and services that are available for items such as uniform and books.

Doctors in Secondary Schools

In addition to our school staff, we have an on-site medical clinic through Doctors in Schools. As part of this program, GPs are attending the school every Tuesday free health care appointments. Both doctors, Darren and Rebecca, are trained in adolescent health. While the data informs us that teenagers are the least likely of all age groups to seek health care, we also know that many health issues which begin at this time of life can have consequences for the future.

Generally, all students can make an appointment to see the GP, with students considered to be mature minors are able to give consent to their own medical treatment. Parents can support this program by speaking about it with your child and encouraging them to access the GP if they need primary health care. You are welcome to attend consultations with them, if and when required. Appointments will be scheduled on Compass so that you have a record of your upcoming appointment, and we will also remind you of this on the day. All sessions are bulk-billed through Medicare.

To request an appointment please contact the Wellbeing team, email: wellbeing@whittleseasc.vic.edu.au​ or speak to your Head of House.

Student Wellbeing Referral Process

In order to facilitate timely support a revised wellbeing self – referral process has been implemented. This is to ensure the Student Engagement and Wellbeing Team can assign the appropriate skills and expertise while assisting students and managing the teams’ workload efficiently. Below is a summary of the process to follow.