WellBeing

Meet our new F-4 Wellbeing Officer – Natalie

A big welcome to Natalie Abdilla who is our new Wellbeing Officer in the F-4 Year levels.

Hi everyone! My name is Natalie, and I’m very excited to be joining the Seymour

College community as the Wellbeing Support Officer F-4. I have a double 

Bachelor in Youth Work and Criminal Justice. 

I’m passionate about supporting students and helping them feel safe, supported

and connected at school. I’m looking forward to getting to know the students, 

families and staff and being part of such a wonderful community. My hobbies 

are travelling and exploring nature. 

Wellbeing Team Roles

Natalie Abdilla is our Years F to 4 Wellbeing Officer.

Nick Dundon is our Years 5 to 8 Wellbeing Officer.

Sarah Gething is our Years 9 to 12 Wellbeing Officer.

Seema Begum is our Mental Health Practitioner.

Katrina (Trini) Costello is our Secondary School Nurse - School Nursing Program.

These staff members are located in our Wellbeing Hub.

Wellbeing Hub Open on Mondays and Thursdays

World Mental Health Day

Each year, World Mental Health Day is recognised on 10 October, providing an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing. At Seymour College, we will be acknowledging Mental Health Month throughout October by promoting positive wellbeing, encouraging conversations about mental health, and highlighting the importance of seeking support when needed.

Mental health is an important part of our overall health and wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel, learn, build relationships, and cope with life's challenges. Like physical health, our mental health can fluctuate, and there will be times when we all need extra support.

For children and young people, school brings many opportunities as well as challenges. Whether students are in our primary or secondary sectors, they may experience worries, friendship difficulties, academic pressures, or significant changes in their lives. Mental Health Month reminds us that it is okay to talk about these challenges, and that seeking help is a sign of strength.

Throughout October, we encourage students to take time to look after their wellbeing through simple everyday practices such as staying active, spending time outdoors, connecting with friends and family, engaging in activities they enjoy, and reaching out to trusted adults when they need support. Small actions can make a meaningful difference to how we feel and cope with life's ups and downs.

At Seymour College, we are fortunate to have a caring community that values kindness, inclusion, and support. Throughout the month, we encourage students, staff, and families to take time to reflect on their wellbeing and consider ways they can support themselves and others.

While much of our work focuses on supporting students, Mental Health Month is also a reminder for staff to prioritise their own wellbeing. Taking time to connect, reflect, and practise self-care helps create a healthier school community for everyone.

As we acknowledge World Mental Health Day on 10 October, let us continue to foster a culture where mental health is openly discussed, support is encouraged, and everyone feels valued and connected. By working together, we can help create a school community where wellbeing remains a priority for all.

I encourage all members of our Seymour College community to take a moment this month to check in with themselves and with those around them. A simple conversation can make a meaningful difference.

Seema Begum, Mental Health Practitioner

What support is available

Carer Gateway provides free support for young people who are in caring roles. 

• Short term counselling
• Coaching
• Planned and emergency respite
• Peer support and social connection 
• Practical assistance
• Service navigation

Eligibility

A student can receive support if they

• Provide unpaid care for a family member with disability, chronic illness, mental health concerns or frail due to age

• Are any age!

They do not need to be the primary carer in the family and their caring role may be minimal. 

How to refer

Referrals can be made by:

• Phone Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737

• Complete an online referral Carer Gateway - Make a Referral

Parent Support Resources

https://safeminds.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Parent-Support-Resources_SAFEMinds.pdf

Easing into Adolescence Resources

The Department of Education have launched the Easing into adolescence: resources for families webpage for families of students aged 10 to 14 years (Grade 5 to Year 8).

The webpage has information and strategies parents and carers can use to help their children ease into adolescence and secondary school.

Berry Street

My name is Trinity, and I have recently joined Berry Street in the Community Engagement role for Home Based Care – Hume region.

Our Story Founded in 1877, Berry Street exists to help those experiencing poverty, violence, and abuse, and to help families stay together in safe and healthy homes so they can create the future they imagine for themselves. This is what we mean by ‘believing in children, young people, families and their future’.  

Our community is in urgent need of loving and supportive foster carers for local children and young people who are unable to live with their families.  

• The number of children in out-of-home care continues to rise year-on-year. There were 12,809 children in out-of-home care in the state as of June 30, 2021, an almost 14 per cent increase from 11,271 in 2018.  

• As of June 2023, the number of foster care enquiries from across the sector reached its lowest point in the last 20 years.  

To respond to this rising need, we are working to engage with the community to increase awareness of foster care and the growing need for Foster Carers in our region.   

Please don’t hesitate to contact me on 0482 160  848 or tlonel@berrystreet.org.au. 

Kind regards,

Trinity Lonel (she/her),

Community Engagement Worker. 

Nurture Forward Parenting Group

The group will run across two sessions and aims to support parents in identifying healthy parenting practices, exploring shifts from pre to post family violence, and providing psychoeducational resources to help increase self-awareness and resilience.

Primary Mental Health Service Sites

The updated brochure is attached for your information.