Engagement, Wellbeing and Inclusion
Wellbeing Engagement and Inclusion:
Wellbeing and engagement continue to be key priorities at Bemin Secondary College, with a strong focus on creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for all students.
This Term, the college has made significant progress in the rollout of School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS). Working closely with our regional coach, we have been developing and strengthening systems that align with our college values of Respect, Excellence, Community, and Innovation. A dedicated SWPBS Working Party has also been established to guide and support this work, ensuring a consistent and strategic approach across the school.
A highlight of this work has been the consistent use of our positive acknowledgement system, Green Chronicles. We encourage all parents and carers to log into Compass to see the many ways their child has demonstrated our college values. This Term alone, students have been recognised over 12,500 times for their positive efforts—an outstanding achievement that reflects the commitment of our staff to building a culture of encouragement and growth.
This work will continue into Term 2 as we further embed our SWPBS matrix across both campuses and continue refining our positive reward systems.
Attendance has also been a major focus. The formation of a dedicated Attendance Team has supported the development of clear and consistent internal processes to help students attend school regularly, arrive on time, and be ready to learn. Families are encouraged to keep an eye on Compass in Term 2 for regular updates and communication about how they can support strong attendance habits at home.
Our Wellbeing Team has been actively supporting individual students while also strengthening connections with local support services. Across both campuses, students have been engaging in a range of targeted programs, including the Pasifika Boys Rites of Passage program, as well as transition and positive friendship groups designed to build connection and confidence.
The Inclusion Team has continued its strong work implementing the Disability Inclusion funding reforms. We are proud to share a 100% success rate in our Inclusion Profile meetings this term—an outstanding result that reflects the team’s dedication and expertise.
Additionally, the college has engaged Inclusion Outreach Coach Elizabeth Smith, who has supported the team through a rigorous review process to identify key areas for growth. This work will continue into Term 2, with a focus on enhancing visual and augmentative communication supports across the school—an important step in ensuring all students can access learning effectively.
Finally, Breakfast Club continues to run across both campuses. We warmly encourage all students to take advantage of this opportunity—because we know that when students start the day with a full stomach, they are better prepared to learn, engage, and succeed.
Bemin Secondary College remains committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where every student can thrive, and we look forward to continuing this important work in Term 2.
Bryce Baumgarten
Assistant Principal Wellbeing, Engagement and Inclusion
Mental Health Practitioner Update:
As both the school’s Mental Health Practitioner and leader of the wellbeing team, my role this term has been focused on supporting the social, emotional and psychological wellbeing of all students, while also guiding a whole-school approach to mental health.
This dual role allows me to work directly with small number students who may need additional support, while also leading initiatives that promote a safe, inclusive and supportive school environment for everyone.
As a team we have been working on creating strong connections with our local external services such as Youth Friendly GP’s, the Youth Resource Centre, Foundation House, Headspace, Orygen, The Orange Door and many other amazing support services we have in our local area. As an MHP I have been working more closely with families, staff, and external professionals to make sure our Bemin students receive the best possible support and care for their mental health.
A key part of the wellbeing teams work is prevention and mental health and wellbeing education. Looking ahead to Term 2 we will be implementing targeted wellbeing programs and whole-school initiatives that build skills in areas such as emotional regulation, respectful relationships, and healthy help-seeking.
I encourage parents and carers to keep an eye on our Compass posts, where we regularly share practical strategies, resources, and information to support both students and families in maintaining positive mental health. These updates are designed to be accessible, relevant, and easy to apply at home.
Upcoming Parent/Carer Information and Support sessions
I'd like to bring to your attention some upcoming information sessions that will be held in early Term 2 to help support you, and your teen.
'Tuning into Teens’ Introduction sessions will be held face to face and via Webex in early Term 2. Keep an eye out for dates and times via COMPASS.
For more information on the Mental Health Practitioner initiative see the Department website: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/health/mentalhealth/Pages/mental-health-practitioners-secondary.aspx.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns about your teenager or would like guidance on available supports.
Renee Dowling |
Mental Health Practitioner
Bemin Secondary College
Monday – Thursday.