Wellbeing
Our New Learning Specialist | Celebrating Inclusion at CSC | Silly Sock Day |
Inclusion Team | Contact Form | Meet the Team |
Helpful Contacts
Our New Multi-Tiered Support Specialist
We are pleased to announce the selection our new Learning Specialist – Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS). Please join us in congratulating Teagan Straw on her appointment to this important role.
Teagan brings extensive experience and knowledge in supporting students through evidence-based instructional practice, the identification of students requiring more targeted support, and the ongoing monitoring of the impact of our teaching. With a whole-school focus, her work will centre on strengthening our collective support of students’ wellbeing, engagement, and learning, ensuring intervention occurs at the point of need.
This is an extremely important appointment that will enhance support for not only our students, but also for our teachers, Education Support staff, and the leadership of the college as we continue to build collective consistency of practice.
Congratulations Teagan on your appointment in this vital leadership role!
Celebrating Inclusion at CSC
On the 18th of November, I (Teagan Straw; Disability and Inclusion Specialist) had the privilege of joining Kala (Year 9) and Ryan (Year 8) at a morning tea hosted by the Dylan Alcott Foundation, accompanied by our Director of Wellbeing, Kerri Haworth. The event, led by Dylan Alcott, promoted Ability Day, an initiative centred on celebration, connection, and meaningful change. These values closely align with our commitment at Cheltenham Secondary College to create an environment in which every student is welcomed, respected, and valued.
By supporting Ability Day we aim to spark conversations that shift perceptions, challenge stereotypes and highlight the strengths, talents and leadership of students with disability.
Upcoming Celebration – Silly Sock Day!
Looking ahead, we will be joining the Dylan Alcott Foundation in celebrating the International Day of People with Disability on 3rd December with a Silly Sock Day.
Students and staff are encouraged to wear their brightest, quirkiest socks and bring along a gold coin donation, with all proceeds going directly to the Dylan Alcott Foundation.
Inclusion Team
Throughout Semester 2 our Inclusion Team has continued to work closely with our Junior School and Wellbeing teams to welcome our incoming 2026 Year 7 students through transition visits. These sessions have provided students with an opportunity to meet our integration aides, build early connections, and feel confident about their move to secondary school. We continue to work closely with families and primary schools to ensure a smooth and supportive transition of care as we look toward 2026.
Wellbeing Contact Form
Contact our Cheltenham Secondary College Wellbeing team directly with any concerns or issues, and one of the team will get back to you. The form can be accessed here.
Meet the Team...
Kerri Haworth Nella Foley Dan Ferdinands
Director of Wellbeing Mental Health Practitioner Youth Engagement Officer
haw@cheltsec.vic.edu.au fol@cheltsec.vic.edu.au fsd@cheltsec.vic.edu.au
(Monday - Friday) (Monday - Thursday) (Monday - Friday)
Jane O'Callaghan Nicole Huang Donna Hurst
Youth Worker Les Foundation Counsellor Counsellor
onj@cheltsec.vic.edu.au hgn@cheltsec.vic.edu.au htd@cheltsec.vic.edu.au
(Monday, Tuesday, Thursday (Friday) (Tuesday and Wednesday)
and Friday)
Patty
Therapy Dog
(various days)
Helpful Contacts
Headspace
Headspace Centres can be a one-stop shop for all young people who just need some help with everyday stuff or wellbeing and physical health.
Kids Helpline
Kids Helpline is across Australia, it is free, private and confidential 24/7. Mainly for young people aged 5 to age 25.
Call them on.. 1800 55 1800
Lifeline
Provides all Australians everywhere experiencing a personal crisis allowing 24-hour support. Call them on.. 13 11 14
Beyond Blue
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Provides information and support which helps tackle head-on the effects of mental health issues no matter where or what age.
Call them on.. 1300 22 4636
Parentline
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/serviceprofiles/parentline-service
Fantastic service for parents and carers of young children from a few days of age all the way up to 18-year-olds. This service offers counselling and support which is confidential and anonymous on all issues around parenting. Call them on...13 22 89.