Wellbeing Program
Student wellbeing at Alexandra Secondary College is of the highest priority. The wellbeing approach of the College is pro-active, as well as responding to individual needs as they arise. The College regularly provides students with speakers, programs, literature and activities that enable them to have a greater awareness and understanding of issues related to wellbeing. The College provides a range of services on an as-needs or on-going basis to individual students and their families. Wellbeing is also linked to the discipline procedures via counselling and parental interviews.
Alexandra Secondary College has a dedicated wellbeing team to which staff and parents may refer students, or students may seek support themselves. This team includes:
- School Nurse whose main role is health promotion. They work with teachers and classes to increase students’ knowledge about healthy lifestyles. They are also available for individual student support.
- Therapists who work with individual students and groups to increase social and emotional skills. They are also available to provide support for parents.
- Chaplain who supports students, staff and families in their wellbeing and education. They participate in a range of programs to build relationships with students and provide pastoral care. They also assist staff and students individually or in a range of classes and, as a part of the Wellbeing team.
- Family Engagement Officer who supports students and their parents to maximise students’ attendance and engagement in school so that they have a greater range of opportunities in the future.
Whilst our Wellbeing Team can provide a range of assistance, students will be referred to external professional services such as speech pathologists and psychologists or other allied health professionals when the issues are complex or of a specific nature.
If you have any questions, are concerned about yourself or another student, or you just want to know a little bit more about what this service can offer please do not hesitate to contact Bronwyn Howell the Wellbeing Coordinator.
Peer Support
The Peer Support program is part of the Year 7 transition into secondary school and aims to connect Year 7 students with Year 10 mentors. Peer support is a program run by trained Year 10 leaders who work with small groups of Year 7 students during Term 1 and stay connected over the next few years.
Toward the end of Year 9, students can nominate to become peer support leaders for the following year. They undergo the training associated with running the program and learn skills related to being effective and supportive mentors. They utilise their skills by assisting some Grade 6 transition day activities.
As Year 10 students, those trained in the Peer Support program will work with small groups of Year 7 students. The mentors will run ‘getting to know you’ activities that will begin the process of creating strong, trusting and supportive relationships with the younger students. Following the formal six week program, Year 10 and Year 7 students will be able to catch up informally.