Wellbeing Team 2021

The Wellbeing Team understand that young people learn best when they have a positive sense of wellbeing, resilience, feel safe, supported and connected as a school community. 

Our approach to the wellbeing of our students is to provide a range of proactive programs, provide counselling and case management support when specific needs arise and support and advocate for students and families who may need referrals to services within the community. 

If you wish to speak to a member of the Wellbeing Team, please contact the College on 9743 3322. 

Meet the Team

Rachel Barney is the College’s Director of Curriculum and Enrichment. As part of her role, Rachel oversees the Wellbeing Team and the work we do. She is there as a support for our team and the whole school community as she understands the strong connection between positive wellbeing and academic results- that they both need to be a focus on our student’s experience at School. 

Tessa Portelli is the Wellbeing Team Leader. Tessa oversees the Wellbeing Team as well as working individually with young people in providing case management. This involves This involves supporting students through one on one appointments, liaising with external agencies/workers and making referrals based on her work with students and/or their families. Tessa also liaises with external services to help build stronger community networks and relationships for the school. Additionally, she works with other staff members within the school to help build their capacity to better support students and understand their wellbeing needs. 

Stacey James and Daniella Giampino are our Wellbeing Counsellors. Stacey main focus of work is supporting students through Case Management. This involves supporting student through one on one appointments, liaising with external agencies/workers and making referrals based on her work with students and/or their families. 

Dani’s focus of work is supporting students through short term counselling. The aim of this support is to provide a targeted approach to intervention.  At the conclusion of these sessions, if additional support is still needed, she will work the student and/or families at supports in the community or other supports available in the school setting.

Alisa Khenkitisak (Year 7-9) and Clair Whittingham (Year 10-12) are our Wellbeing and Engagement Officers. Alisa’s and Clair's main focus is around the proactive work of the Wellbeing Team. They have a strong focus on program including whole school events, whole year level and small group programs. They will be working with student leaders to look these programs as well as lunchtime clubs. 

 Both Clair and Alisa also work closely with students and families who are struggling with school attendance and have been referred to Wellbeing via sub schools.

Wellbeing Services

• Individual and group counselling
• Case Management (Attendance, Students with External Supports)
• Parent meetings
• Student Support Group Meetings
• Breakfast Club (Monday,  Wednesday,  Friday)
• Programs – small group and whole year level
• Lunch Time and Before School Programs
• External referrals
• Liaison with external agencies
• State School Relief applications
• Doctors in Secondary School’s program

MSC Wellbeing Team and Confidentiality

The Wellbeing Team at Melton Secondary College provides counselling and group work with limited confidentiality. 

We have a duty of care for the wellbeing and safety of all the students we work with. 

Whilst we aim to keep discussions confidential, we may need to share information with other services if we are concerned about a student’s safety and/or the safety of others. Sometimes this may need to happen without the students’ permission.

It’s important to understand that limited confidentiality applies:

• Where there is risk of harm to self
• Where there is risk of harm to others
• Where someone is harming  the student
• During discussions within the Wellbeing Team

 People that may be contacted include:

• Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
• Police
• Parent/Guardian
• Doctors or Specialist
• Mental Health Services

Doctor's in Secondary School Program

 The Doctor’s in Secondary Schools Program continues in 2021. This initiative funds general practitioners (GPs) to attend up to 100 Victorian government Secondary Schools up to one day a week. We have an adolescent health trained GP from Westcare available at our school each Thursday (9am-1pm) to provide medical advice and health care to our students. The GP is supported by a Nurse and a Member of the Wellbeing Team. 

Melton Secondary College students and parents/guardians/carers will NOT incur any out-of-pocket expenses for consultation with the GP.

The objectives of the program are to:

• Make primary health care more accessible to students
• Provide assistance to young people to identify and address health problems early
• Aim to reduce the pressure on working parents and community-based GPs.

Appointments can be made through the Wellbeing Team or by emailing 

gpbookings@meltonsc.vic.edu.au

If you have any questions about this services, please don’t hesitate to contact the school. More information can be found here

State Schools' Relief

 If you require some support regarding school uniform, the Wellbeing Team is available to discuss support available. 

State Schools’ Relief can provide touchers towards the cost of some uniform items. Please note not all items are covered and there is eligibility criteria. 

If you would like to learn more or to find out if you are eligible for this service, please contact

Tara Coates (Year 7-9 students) or Clair Whittingham (Year 10-12 students) on 9743 3322.