Student Wellbeing
2022 has been a very busy year for everyone at Wantirna College, and Wellbeing has not been immune to this either. The first year out oft he pandemic restrictions was always expected to have challenges but we made it! Teachers, ES staff and students have all done really well with all the twists and unexpected turns 2022 had to offer.
I would like to give a huge thanks to the Wellbeing workers, Sanela Avdic, Lea Marrison, Tajinder Wulff and Flip. Your support, comradery and determination to the students, staff and myself has been hugely appreciated and has helped to make this year as smooth as possible. Wantirna College is very lucky to have such a dedicated and experienced team supporting our students.
Another big thank you to all the placement students who have supported the Wellbeing Program and our students throughout 2022. The university placement students make up a huge part of Wellbeing and help to carry an often heavy load. Without their support each year the scope of Wellbeing would be greatly reduced.
Throughout 2022 Wellbeing also had the support of Gayle Williams. Gayle was a huge amount of help to wellbeing; sorting through files, setting up our digital system and doing a lot of back office work we often don’t have time to do. This took away a lot of worry for us as a team and allowed us to focus more on supporting students and families. Gayle left the team and school in late October, embarking on retirement and travelling in her motor home with her German Shepherd Sapphire.
We will be saying goodbye to Sanela Avdic for a year as she leaves us to go on maternity leave. Sanela has had a long history with Wantirna College and Wellbeing. Starting with us in 2018 as a university placement student herself then returning later in 2019 to join as staff. Over the years Sanela has made a huge impact at the college. She has always been a strong advocate for students and parents and has been successful in creating strong professional bonds with staff but also creating friendships. Sanelas support, friendship and wit will be greatly missed in Wellbeing and around the school and I know she is going to be an amazing parent!
While Sanela is on leave we will be Welcoming Talea Simpson into the team. Talea will be commencing in the new year and we are looking forward to working with someone that brings a lot of knowledge and passion to the role.
Lastly, thank you to the students for allowing us to support you throughout 2022. Wellbeing is not always the easiest place to come too and to be able to trust us with your problems, issues and concerns is truly a privilege. We often see students in their most vulnerable of circumstances but you always amaze us with your resilience and strength.
See you all in 2023!!
Support Services
Please note that during the school holiday break the Wellbeing email and Teams Channel will not be monitored.
The Wellbeing Team have compiled a range of resources and support services for students and families to access via Compass under Community (the two people) – School Documentation – For Students/For Parents – Wellbeing Resources.
Youth support services
headspace: visit headspace.org.au to find your nearest centre or call headspace on
1800 650 890.
Kids Helpline:
1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au
ReachOut: reachout.com.au
SANE Australia: 1800 187 263 or sane.org
National 24/7 crisis services
Lifeline:13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au
beyondblue:
1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au
Parent Support
Parentline: 13 22 89
If you would like further ongoing support, it is recommended that you make an appointment with your family General Practitioner (G.P.) where you can discuss the concerns that you may behaving. The G.P. will then be able to make the appropriate referral for ongoing support as required.
Student Wellbeing Team
Instagram: @wcwellbeinghub
Email: wellbeing@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au
Guiseppe Relia – Social Worker
Sanela Avdic – Social Worker
Lea Marrison - Mental Health Practitioner
Tajinder Wulff - Mental Health Practitioner