Wellbeing Matters 

How can the Student Support Officer (SSO) help you and your child?

As the SSO at Boorowa Central School I am here to help you with a wide range of things.

My role involves working with the school community, including students, parents, and school staff, as well as community organisations and the wider community, to support student well-being. 

My goal as an SSO is to work alongside students to promote safety, resilience and pro-social behaviours, as well as being a point of call for students to seek advice, guidance, and support. 

It comprises working with student’s one on one, and in small groups.

 Students can self-refer to me from Year 4 onwards or may be referred by the Learning Support Team / Wellbeing team, Year Advisers, Head Teachers, Deputy Principal and Principal.

 A student might be referred to me for support in areas such as bullying, developing self-esteem, resilience, conflict resolution and coping skills, peer mediation, or to be connected to local external support and youth services. Some of these services may include Headspace, Kids Helpline or specialist health professionals.

For more complex issues, a referral to the Principal or School Counsellor is the most appropriate course of action. I do not provide psychological or intellectual, emotional or behavioural assessments with students. These are the responsibility of the School Counsellor/ school psychologist. However, I am part of the team at the school who can help provide wrap-around support for these students.

Yes I know that’s lots of information to take on board, so let me simplify it.

I can help Parents and care givers                                     

And students ;

In addition as previously reported our school community is assisted by the Rapid Relief Team in Young. They have supplied us with food buckets, food day packs and small snacks. These supplies are here to help our families. If you are in need of assistance please do not hesitate to contact the school or myself. We are here to help and can assist in accessing services beyond the school gate.

St Vincent De Paul also have a shop front office in Pudman Street, next door to the Op Shop. They are open every Thursday 2pm-3pm and are there to assist community members who are experiencing financial hardship associated with paying bills or require assistance with housing etc. No door is the wrong door, so if you are unsure if they can help you please pop into their office. They will ensure you are directed to the right services.

What do I do if I have concerns about my child out of school hours?

If your child indicates that they are not coping you may wish to engage with your GP or in an emergency present to the emergency department at your local hospital. 

Alternatively you can contact the NSW Mental Health Access Line on 1800 011 511.

Access line is available to anyone living in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District region. It is staffed by mental health professionals and open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

The service can provide advice and assistance to:

• People experiencing issues with their own mental health or drug and/or alcohol use.
• Carers and people supporting loved ones with mental health and/or drug or alcohol issues.
• People who are worried about the mental health of someone they know.
• Health Professionals (including GPs, service providers and emergency services workers).

Please know that all staff at Boorowa Central School are here to help you. Please do not hesitate to get in contact with us on  63853009

Taryn Riles 

Student Support Officer