Wellbeing
Student Wellbeing Support
Altona College is committed to supporting the emotional health, mental wellbeing and overall welfare of all students. We provide a range of wellbeing supports delivered by trained professionals who work collaboratively to ensure students feel safe, supported and able to thrive at school.
Our Wellbeing Team
Julie Giles - Director of Student Wellbeing and Inclusion; 7 – 12
Julie is our Director of Student Wellbeing and Inclusion. Julie oversees the whole-school approach to wellbeing. This includes coordinating the wellbeing team, supporting staff capacity building, being the conduit to wellbeing processes, and leading our college’s strategic initiatives that promote a positive, inclusive and supportive school culture.
Casey Sperling - Director of Student Wellbeing and Inclusion; p – 6, and The Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) Leader.
Casey is located within our primary setting, as our Director of Student Wellbeing and Inclusion; p – 6, and The Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) Leader. Casey supports student mental health and wellbeing through prevention and early intervention strategies, as well as supporting linkages with external supports. Within the college, Casey focuses on building emotional resilience and positive mental health, working with students, staff and families to support engagement with whole-school wellbeing approaches.
Belinda Tandurella - Student Wellbeing Officer
Belinda is our Student Wellbeing Officer. Belinda works to support both our students and our families. For students Belinda provides emotional support and informal check-ins for all students who may be feeling overwhelmed or need someone to talk to. Belinda works closely with both teaching staff and our broader wellbeing team to identify concerns early, allowing the college to provide appropriate support and onwards referrals. Belinda has also developed strong working relationships with a range of community support groups, such as Hobson’s Bay Youth Services, and The Laverton Hub. Belinda can help link College families with a range of external supports to assist with broader wellbeing needs.
Sarra Chhabra - Student Health Services Officer
Sarra is our Student Health Services Officer. Sarra provides first aid and supports the day-to-day health needs of our students. Sarra responds to illness and injury, as well as supporting students with their diagnosed medical conditions and activating wellbeing supports. Sarra is Altona’s key contact in maintaining health care plans and liaising with both families and staff to manage our student health needs safely during the school day.
KK Stanley - Mental Health Practitioner (MHP)
KK is our Mental Health Practitioner who works with us part-time to provide brief, time-limited and evidence-based mental health support for secondary students experiencing mild to moderate mental health concerns. Support is offered with signed informed consent, focusing on early intervention, and supporting our students along with their families to connect with external services for ongoing care.
Amy Milledge - Secondary School Nurse (SSN)
Amy is our Secondary School Nurse. Amy supports the health and wellbeing of students through a health promotion and preventative care focus. Amy works across schools within our region, and supports students by promoting physical and mental health, encouraging the reduction of risk-taking behaviours (including issues related to alcohol and other drugs or smoking), and primary health care support through connecting students and families with local health and community services.