Wellbeing

Counselling  at Bimbadeen Heights Primary School

At Bimbadeen Heights, we prioritise the mental health and wellbeing of every student. Our counselling program offers short-term, play-based support to help students build confidence, resilience, emotional regulation, and social skills—all within a safe and familiar school environment.

What is School-Based Counselling?

· Counselling sessions are delivered onsite by Liam Bransgrove, our Student Wellbeing Officer, through the National Student Wellbeing Program (NSWP).

· Sessions are:

                     o Usually 30 minutes long, scheduled weekly or fortnightly depending on                                         current demand and student needs

                     o Typically delivered over a flexible block of 8-10 sessions

                     o Play-based or centred around emotion-based activities, allowing students to                                 express and explore their emotions in an age-appropriate way

· Students work toward personalised goals such as:

                    o Managing big feelings

                    o Problem-solving

                    o Building friendship skills

                    o Boosting self-esteem

· Please note: Liam’s support is school-based and short-term in nature. It is not intended for ongoing therapy, clinical assessment, or formal diagnosis.

When is Counselling Recommended?

Counselling may be suggested when a student is:

· Experiencing challenges with emotional regulation or anxiety

· Struggling with friendships or social situations

· Affected by grief, changes in family dynamics, or other life stressors

· Needing support to build resilience and confidence at school

Getting Started: The Initial SSG Meeting

If counselling is recommended, a Student Support Group (SSG) meeting will be held with:

· Parents/carers

· The classroom teacher

· Members of the Wellbeing Team

This meeting will:

· Discuss your child’s strengths, background, and current concerns

· Explain what counselling at school involves

· Identify any professionals your child is already working with (e.g., psychologists, OTs)

· Share how school and home can work together to support your child

At this meeting, you will receive:

· A Consent Form (required for participation)

· A Parent Voice Form to share your insights and priorities

Communication and Support

· Liam runs all counselling sessions and communicates progress with the classroom teacher

· Your child’s teacher remains the main point of contact and will provide updates as needed

· Liam does not contact families directly by email, but participates in SSG meetings to offer insights and recommendations

· A follow-up SSG meeting is offered at the end of the counselling block to review progress and plan next steps

Triage and Wait Times

· Liam is currently at capacity, with a 2–3 week waitlist

· Students are triaged to prioritise urgent needs

· If longer-term or specialised therapy is needed, referrals to external professionals may be recommended

Already Linked with a Psychologist or Therapist?

If your child is already receiving external support:

· Please continue with this support whenever possible

· You are encouraged to ask external professionals to connect with your child’s classroom teacher to ensure consistent support across home and school

Our Wellbeing Team

Our dedicated team works closely with families and staff to support student wellbeing:

· Sabrina George – Assistant Principal & Wellbeing Coordinator

· Bree King – Disability and Inclusion Leader

· Amanda Bailey – Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader

· Liam Bransgrove – Student Wellbeing Officer

If you need help connecting with external services, please reach out to Bree King or Amanda Bailey.

Have Questions?

· For general updates or concerns, contact your child’s classroom teacher

· For wellbeing services or support referrals, contact:

                                      o Amanda Bailey – Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader

                                      o Bree King – Disability and Inclusion Leader

Together, we can ensure every child feels safe, supported, and empowered to thrive at Bimbadeen Heights Primary School.

Parenting Support & Services

We’re very lucky to have access to such a wide range of free parenting programs, groups, and supports across the Eastern Region this term. From anxiety support, neurodiversity groups, and Dads’ programs to services for families navigating separation, mental health, or financial stress – there is something for everyone.

Attached is the full What’s On Guide – Term 2 from ParentZone Eastern, which provides information about:

• Online and in-person parenting programs
• Mental health and wellbeing supports for children and young people
• Peer groups for parents of children with disability or developmental delay
• Resources for culturally and linguistically diverse families
• Services for dads, young parents, and carers
• Contact details for referrals and free events

I'll be including specific highlights in upcoming newsletters, but I wanted to share the full guide now so you can access anything that may be helpful for your family.

If you’d like help registering, accessing a service, or finding the right support, please don’t hesitate to reach out – that’s a big part of my role here at Bimbadeen Heights. I’m here to support both students and families.

Warm regards,

Amanda Bailey, Mental Health & Wellbeing Leader 

Bimbadeen Heights Primary School