Student Wellbeing

Understanding the Adolescent Journey

Development and Counselling Across the Secondary Years

Adolescence is a period of profound change; emotionally, physically, socially, and cognitively. At St Bede’s College, we are privileged to support our students through these formative years. Understanding the developmental milestones our students experience across secondary school helps us respond with compassion, guidance and care when challenges arise.

Staff in various roles regularly work with students navigating the ups and downs of adolescence. Each year level presents unique developmental tasks and, with them, different needs for support. Below is a snapshot of what our students typically experience at each stage and the common reasons they may access our school counselling services.

Year 7– Building Foundations

Developmental Focus

• Navigating a major life transition
• Identity shaped by peer acceptance and routine
• Developing organisational habits and independence

Common Counselling Themes

• Adjustment stress and school anxiety
• Friendship difficulties or social isolation
• Emotional dysregulation
• Executive functioning struggles

Year 8 – Belonging and Boundaries

Developmental Focus

• Strong drive to belong as key friendship groups establish
• Early adolescence means that typically there are big emotional highs and lows
• Tendency to challenge rules or adult authority

Common Counselling Themes

• Peer conflict, teasing and difficulties dealing with cliques
• Self-esteem dips and anxiety presentations
• School avoidance or disengagement
• Early signs of behavioural concerns

Year 9 – Identity and Rebellion

Developmental Focus

• Questioning values and pushing limits
• Middle adolescence means that typically experiences of risk-taking, experimentation and moodiness present
• Interest in independence without full capacity for judgement

Common Counselling Themes

• Low motivation and in some cases withdrawal
• Signs of depression and/or ongoing anxiety
• Exposure to risks of all types
• Academic stress – most likely as students experience end of semester exams for the first time
• Family stress and/or resistance to boundaries

Year 10 – Purpose and Peer Influence

Developmental Focus

• Beginning to focus on the future (i.e., career pathways, values, etc.)
• Identity exploration and search for meaning
• Peer influence is still strong with a desire to be ‘cool’ vs authentic

Common Counselling Themes

• Body image and self-worth issues
• Friendship tensions and emotional reactivity
• Relationship stress – with family members, peers, romantic partners, etc.
• Low confidence academically or socially

Year 11 – Stress and Strategy

Developmental Focus

• Increased academic pressure and future planning
• Cognitive ability improves but emotion still drives behaviour
• Sleep and time management challenges

Common Counselling Themes

• Anxiety and stress overload
• Burnout and perfectionism issues
• Conflict with family expectations
• Mental health disclosures – more self or peer referrals for school counselling

Year 12 – Transition and Transformation

Developmental Focus

• On the edge of adulthood; independence, fear, opportunity, etc.
• Balancing pressure to perform with uncertainty about the future
• Identity development is critical

Common Counselling Themes

• Performance anxiety
• Emotional fatigue and overwhelm
• Existential stress – “who am I becoming”
• Isolation due to workload or ‘social drift’
• Career/pathway planning and support

At St Bede’s, our Counselling service exists to support students across all year levels. Whether a student is facing a short-term challenge or an ongoing mental health concern, early intervention makes a big difference. Parents, carers, and staff play a key role in noticing changes and encouraging help-seeking behaviour.

If you ever have concerns about your child or would like to learn more about how we can support them, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team on 9582 5999 or email counselling@stbedes.catholic.edu.au

Supporting our students through their journey is a shared effort and together, we can help them thrive.

The Benefits Of Counselling

What College Counselling Offers

Our service is a confidential, professional and inclusive resource for all students from Years 7 to 12, across both campuses. College Counselling is tailored to each specific student and can be offered one-on-one or in a group context. Support can also last from a ‘one-off’ session to weekly/ongoing appointments.It is designed to provide support for a range of issues, including but not limited to:

• Managing stress and academic pressures
• Building self-esteem and resilience
• Navigating friendships and social dynamics
• Coping with family changes or personal challenges
• Addressing feelings of anxiety or sadness, and many more

How Students Can Access Counselling 

• Self-referring to the Wellbeing Coordinator counselling@stbedes.catholic.edu.au 
• Drop-in to our Wellbeing Office at our Mentone Campus (near the Chapel gardens) 
• Requesting a referral from their Homeroom/Tutor Group teacher, Year Level/House Coordinator on their behalf
• Requesting a referral from their Parent/Guardian on their behalf (either via counselling@stbedes.catholic.edu.au or 9582 5999)

How Families Can Support 

As parents and guardians, your role in your child’s wellbeing is invaluable. Some ways you can assist your child include:

• Helping them establish a balanced routine that includes time for study, relaxation, and hobbies
• Encouraging healthy sleep habits and a nutritious diet to support their overall wellbeing
• Being attentive to changes in their behaviour or mood, and gently ask how they are feeling if and when you notice any changes
• Promoting positive self-talk and help them set realistic goals for themselves
• Modelling healthy coping strategies, such as managing stress or problem-solving constructively
• Celebrating their achievements, no matter how small, to boost their confidence
• Encouraging open conversations about their feelings and experiences – but accept and understand if and when they may not want to open up to you (if this is the case encourage them to seek help elsewhere)
• Encouraging and reassuring them that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness
• Staying informed about the services and resources the school offers

Learning To Live With Change and Loss

Change and loss are issues that affect all of us at some stage in our lives. We recognise that when changes occur in families through death, separation, divorce and related circumstances, our young people may benefit from learning how to manage these changes effectively. 

The College is pleased to offer our Years 7 to 9 students the successful education program Seasons for Growth in Term 3. This program is facilitated in small groups and is based on research which highlights the importance of social support and the need to practise new skills to cope effectively with change and loss. The program focuses on issues such as self-esteem, managing feelings, problem-solving, decision-making, effective communication and support networks.

We encourage families to talk with their children about participating in the program and register to Brother Tony Cumminsby Thursday 14 August on 9582 5958 or btc@stbedes.catholic.edu.au

Youth Road Safety

Victoria Police has shared the Road Safety Rules to ensure when our young people are cycling or riding an e-scooter, these simple tips help us to stay safe.

Parent Sessions To Support Teens

Glen Eira City Council has invited our parents and carers to attend a information session to reduce and prevent body dissatisfaction, disordered eating and eating disorders in young people. This session will provide practical strategies to support positive body image in young people. Thursday 21 August 2025, 7pm – 8.30pm at the Glen Eira City Council Town Hall.

Kingston Youth Services alongside headspace is holding onlin information sessions to help empower parents with tools and knowledge they need to support their young person's mental wellbeing. Tuesday 26 August, 7pm - 8pm, online. 

The Common Ground Parent Sessions

The Parent and Carer sessions for The Common Ground are available for you to view online at your convenience via the links below

The Common Ground: Future Fit Masculinities - Years 10 to 12

The Common Ground: Future Fit Masculinities- Years 7 to 9

We appreciate every family collaboration and commitment with our College to support our students to do their personal best.