Counselling & Psychological Services
Bec Campey and Amy Newsom
All students at Kinross Wolaroi benefit from the support and expertise of the School Psychologists. As members of the Wellbeing Team, the School Psychologists are involved in the design and delivery of support from whole school approaches (prevention) to support for students with higher needs (intervention) and those needing additional interventions (treatment).
Tier 1 behavioural interventions support all students, with a focus on prevention of difficulties. The School Psychologists assist with the identification and delivery of evidence-based wellbeing interventions to improve the social-emotional skills of all students from K-12. Examples include initiatives delivered on Wellbeing Day to whole year groups such as Youth Mental Health First Aid.
Tier 2 interventions provide more targeted support to selected groups of students that need alternative strategies to support their wellbeing and success. Examples of Tier 2 interventions being planned and delivered by the School Psychologists this term include lunchtime social skills groups in the Junior School and stress management study skills and exam preparation courses for Senior students.
Tier 3 interventions support students who need more intensive, individualised support to improve their academic, social and behavioural outcomes. Students may self-refer, or may be referred by a parent, caregiver or teacher.
Examples of this would be individual counselling or behaviour support.
COVID-19, including extended periods of remote learning, changed the way School Psychologists support the academic, emotional and behavioural needs of students. Recent research by Monash University further outlines how School Psychology services had to adapt during this period and assists us to continue to review and develop our services to respond to students in possible future challenges.