Wellbeing

Student Wellbeing Team

Student Wellbeing Coordinator (SWC)

Peggy Oberthier

School Psychologist (Tue-Thu)

Rebekah Oppenheim

School Nurse (Mon, Fri) 

Jess Manzie 

Wellbeing procedures

If you have concerns for your child’s mental health the first step is to have a discussion with your child and see what they would like to do. You are always welcome to discuss concerns with the Year Level team or SWC (9458 6174). If they are reluctant to seek help we suggest you make an appointment with your GP to flag the concerns with them and discuss options. If your child is not sure if there is a problem but would like to discuss some issues and possible pathways for support then they are encouraged to email peggy.oberthier@thornburyhs.vic.edu.au to make an appointment.

 

Some students prefer to speak to a trusted teacher or their year level team and then a referral can be made to the Wellbeing Team. The student can then expect an email to organise a time to debrief the issues.

 

Some students need to access student wellbeing services during the day if they are feeling distressed. The student can ask a teacher or coordinator to get permission to leave class. If this is the case every effort is made to help the student return to class as quickly as possible.

 

Referral Pathways

Thornbury High School works alongside a range of services to support out students. There are various options to suit the individual needs of each student.

 

External Counsellor / Psychologist

>  often through Headspace or Your Community Health

>  obtain a Mental Health Care Plan through a GP and seek appointments externally. 

 

We encourage all families to work with the school if there are external providers helping the student with school based issues.  Parents/carers are encouraged to provide documentation from their psychologist/social worker/OT with any relevant information that may assist their child with their mental health concerns. This could be a safety plan, warning signs/triggers and or strategies to cope when anxious, angry, sad or overwhelmed. This information is always treated with confidentiality and care and helps the student feel supported in a consistent manner.

 

Headspace Clinicians - enhanced mental health care in schools

>  a joint initiative between the Department of Education and Headspace

>  two psychologists available for appointments on a Monday onsite at THS (currently no waiting period).

> the Student Wellbeing Coordinator will meet with the student first, call  parents/guardians to discuss, provide the consent form and schedule the appointment.

 

School-based Psychologist: Rebekah Oppenheim

> Rebekah is available for appointments from Tues-Thursday for students who do not fit the Headspace EHMS criteria.

> The SWC  will meet with the student first, talk to parents/carers, provide the consent form and book the appointment with Rebekah.

 

Consent

All students referred to Headspace and Rebekah will be required to get consent from parents/carers. If a student is 16 years and over they can sign their own consent form. The consent form will be provided by the SWC.

Consent is not required if they seek casual, debriefing or referral sessions with Peggy Oberthier, SWC.

Programs

Headspace in Schools program

Monday lunchtime for senior students

 

Rainbow Lounge

Every Friday lunchtime. 

 

If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions please do not hesitate to contact the Wellbeing Team on 9458 6174.