Wellbeing

As we begin Term 3, the Wellbeing Team is excited to launch some targeted Tier 2 programs designed to support students' emotional development, mental health, and overall wellbeing.

One of our key initiatives this term is Social Stencil, a small group program tailored for Year 7 girls. Led by Nella (Mental Health Practitioner) and Donna (School Counsellor), and supported by our placement counsellor Brice, this group will focus on a wide range of skills, including emotional intelligence, peer relationships, teamwork, understanding anger, non-verbal communication, and building healthy friendships. Students will also explore setting boundaries, regulating big emotions, developing empathy, building self-esteem and confidence, and initiating conversations. Through these play-based, interactive, hands-on activities, the goal is to equip students with a personalised wellbeing toolbox of practical strategies to help self-manage emotions and navigate social challenges with confidence.

We are also pleased to offer a 4-week mindfulness workshop, in partnership with Headspace, for a selected group of Year 9 and Year 10 students. This program will provide simple yet powerful techniques to improve emotional awareness, increase focus, and enhance self-regulation. Through calm reflection and present-moment awareness, students will build habits that reduce stress and support a more positive and focused mindset — beneficial both for mental wellbeing and academic performance.

We are proud to continue offering programs that nurture student wellbeing and empower them with tools that will support their success both in and out of the classroom.

To give you a clearer picture of the universal support being provided across the school, please see the table below for an overview of the Tier 1 programs delivered to each year level this term.

At Cheltenham Secondary College, we use a tiered model of support to ensure the wellbeing and mental health needs of all students are met. Tier 1 includes universal supports available to all students, such as whole-year level programs, classroom wellbeing initiatives, and school-wide campaigns promoting positive mental health and inclusion. Tier 2 involves targeted small group interventions for students who may benefit from extra support, such as social skills groups or resilience-building workshops. Tier 3 provides intensive, individualised support for students with more complex needs, including one-on-one counselling or referral to external services. This three-tiered approach helps us deliver the right level of care at the right time for every student.

If you would like to arrange wellbeing support for your child with one of our counsellors or provisional psychologists, please do not hesitate to contact myself, or the Director of the relevant sub-school/coordinator. 

We can also support families in need with access to books and uniforms through State Schools Relief and the Les Twentyman Foundation.  Again, please do not hesitate to contact myself or your child’s Director of Sub-school/coordinator to let them know which items you require. 

Warm regards 🙂

Kerri Haworth

Director of Wellbeing

RAISE Mentoring Program - this 17 week program continues in Term 3.  Facilitated by RAISE Foundation, volunteer mentors come in each Wednesday afternoon and spend 1:1 time with their mentee in the Library.  This is an evidence-based program that has been successful for many young people.

Breakfast Club

Don't forget about our Breakfast Club, which runs every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 8.15am to 8.45am, offering cheese toasties and fruit cups. We also have free apples available in the front office for all students, and we kindly ask that they be mindful of where they dispose of apple cores. Organic waste bins are conveniently placed throughout the school grounds, particularly in the large courtyard outside the canteen.

Maths Club

For those needing extra help, students can get assistance with Maths every Tuesday and Thursday after school from 3.15pm to 4.00pm in B1 and/or B2. Please speak to your child's Maths teacher if you would like to know more.

Meet the team for 2025

Kerri Haworth                                Nella Foley                                       Dan Ferdinands

Director of Wellbeing                  Mental Health Practitioner         Youth Engagement Officer

(Monday - Friday)                         (Monday - Thursday)                     (Monday - Friday)

    Jane O'Callaghan                           Nicole Huang                         Donna Hurst                      

    Youth Worker Les Foundation   Counsellor                               Counsellor

    (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday     (Friday)                                      (Tuesday and Wednesday)

     and Friday)

                                                              Patty

                                                              Therapy Dog

                                                               (various days)

Wellbeing Contact Form

Contact our Cheltenham Secondary College Wellbeing team directly with any concerns or issues and one of the team will get back to you. The form can be accessed here.

Helpful Contacts

Headspace

http://www.headspace.org.au/

Headspace Centres can be a one-stop shop for all young people who just need some help with everyday stuff or wellbeing and physical health. 

Kids Helpline

https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Kids Helpline is across Australia, it is free, private and confidential 24/7. Mainly for young people aged 5 to age 25.

Call them on.. 1800 55 1800

Lifeline

https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Provides all Australians everywhere experiencing a personal crisis allowing 24-hour support. Call them on.. 13 11 14

Beyond Blue

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Provides information and support which helps tackle head-on the effects of mental health issues no matter where or what age. 

Call them on.. 1300 22 4636

Parentline

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/serviceprofiles/parentline-service

Fantastic service for parents and carers of young children from a few days of age all the way up to 18-year-olds. This service offers counselling and support which is confidential and anonymous on all issues around parenting.  Call them on...13 22 89.