Mental Health and 

Wellbeing

Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader

My name is Michelle Apollonio, some of you may already know me. You may have seen my roles change over the last two years from Classroom Teacher to Tutoring Teacher. On Monday and Friday this year, I will be in the classroom teaching Year 1/2D and on Tuesday to Thursday my role is the Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader (MHWL). 

The MHWL role is a government funded position that has come out of the Royal Commission into Mental Health and further in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a pilot program that has now been so successful, it will be rolled out all over the state by 2026. I will be participating in MHWL training, completing online modules, and attending communities of practice with schools within the area to collaborate and build professional knowledge.

My role with the support of the wellbeing team, is to help build on the school’s already excellent and present approach to wellbeing. Ultimately, we want to refine and sustain our approach to wellbeing. So this year, we aim to understand the needs of our school community, build the capacity of students and staff to understand mental health, relevant strategies and where to go when you need support. We want to work with students, parents and staff to understand what support is needed, to help our school community thrive and flourish.

​Watch this space, as I will be in regular contact to discuss wellbeing and showcase the great wellbeing initiatives at Aberfeldie Primary School.  In the meantime, if you would like to share any knowledge, ideas or have any questions please feel free to email me at michelle.apollonio@education.vic.gov.au. You can learn more about the program and my role via this link https://www.vic.gov.au/mental-health-primary-schools.