College Counsellor News

Welcome to Term 1, 2026! A particularly warm welcome to our new families and staff who have joined us and are now part of the extended Marian College community. 

The new school year brings many changes. Students transitioning into Secondary College; students into new classes, subjects and new teachers; staff learning new roles and challenges. Whilst change can be daunting, it creates the opportunity for growth. An important thing to remember is that we build resilience by facing challenges and by working together, seeking support and caring for each other. 

Meet Our School Counselling Team

We are excited to re-introduce the Thrive Psychology School Counselling Team supporting our students this year.

Our counsellors

• Karen Surian (available Monday to Friday) –Karen.Surian@thrivepsychology.com.au

• Georgia Green (available Mondays & Tuesdays) Georgia.Green@thrivepsychology.com.au

Together, the counselling team works in partnership with students, families, and school staff to promote positive wellbeing, support social and emotional needs, and provide a safe space for all students at Marian Catholic College.

Confidentiality – A Safe Space for Students

A key part of the counselling service is ensuring students feel safe, respected, and comfortable sharing their thoughts. Everything a student discusses with a counsellor is kept confidential, except in situations where the counsellor is concerned for the safety or wellbeing of the student or another person. In these cases, we may need to share information with relevant staff or caregivers so we can work together to keep the young person safe. We always aim to do this in a supportive, transparent, and child‑centred way.

Referral Pathways

We aim to make accessing support simple and approachable. Students can be referred to the counselling service through various ways including:

• Student Self‑Referral: Students can speak directly with Karen or Georgia, or request an appointment through the “splash” button found on Compass.
• Referral Through Pastoral or Wellbeing Leaders: Staff may recommend counselling when they notice a student could benefit from additional support.
• Parent or Caregiver Referral: Parents and caregivers are encouraged to contact the school if they feel their child would benefit from seeing a counsellor.

We’re Here to Help

Returning to school or beginning at a new one can feel overwhelming for many different reasons. We want students and families to know that support is always available, and anyone who feels they may need a little extra help is encouraged to reach out.

Our counselling team is friendly, welcoming, and committed to ensuring every student feels safe, heard, and supported. If a young person needs someone to talk to at any time, we warmly encourage them to get in touch.

For those new to the College, I want to share a great wellbeing resource, School TV

SchoolTV is an evidence-based wellbeing resource designed to support parents and carers with the challenges of raising children and adolescents. Marian Catholic College has partnered with SchoolTV to provide this resource to our families. 

SchoolTV offers clear, expert-led guidance on a wide range of topics affecting young people today. It is designed to be a first point of reference for families seeking reliable information, practical strategies and reassurance when questions or concerns arise. Each topic features interviews with leading specialists, along with links to carefully curated resources from trusted organisations. The content is easy to access, can be viewed privately and is designed to build understanding, confidence and constructive conversations at home. 

Written content can be translated into more than 60 languages using built-in tools, and video interviews are available to view in Hindi, Chinese and Arabic, with additional languages planned for release soon. Throughout the year, SchoolTV also offers free webinars featuring global experts who provide families with practical, evidence-informed guidance on key mental health and wellbeing concerns. 

Families are encouraged to explore SchoolTV regularly and to sign up to Get Alerts using the button within any SchoolTV topic. This ensures you are notified when new topics are released and helps you stay informed about emerging issues, digital trends and seasonal topics. 

SchoolTV recognises that every family’s situation is different. By building knowledge and awareness over time, the platform supports early understanding, timely support and a more proactive approach to the wellbeing of students. 

SchoolTV can be accessed via the following QR code or here

A Special Report: Embracing Change & New Beginnings

Change is a natural part of growing up. Whether it's the start of a new school year, moving between year levels, or stepping beyond the school gates for the final time, each transition brings a mix of emotions, presenting both opportunities and challenges. These shifts call on young people to adjust to new routines, navigate unfamiliar environments and develop emotional flexibility. While some may embrace these changes, others may find the disruption unsettling and struggle with the loss of predictability.

Research shows that periods of transition are often linked to heightened anxiety, reduced academic engagement and changes in peer relationships. For families, these periods can also bring added stress. Recognising the emotional and psychological impact of change helps us respond more effectively and supportively.

While change can feel daunting, it also offers valuable opportunities for young people to learn and grow. By normalising uncertainty and encouraging open conversations, we help young people face new beginnings with curiosity rather than fear. When children are surrounded by guidance, encouragement and consistent structure, they're far better equipped to manage life's transitions with confidence and resilience.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report:https://mccww.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-embracing-change-new-beginnings-au