Promoting Student Wellbeing
Welcome from the Student Wellbeing Team
Dear parents, carers and guardians,
A very warm welcome to the 2024 school year. A special welcome to new families who may be viewing our school newsletter for the first time.
Our school is committed to providing a safe, secure and stimulating learning environment for all students. We understand that students reach their full potential only when they are happy, healthy and safe, and that a positive school culture, where student participation is encouraged and valued, helps to engage students and support them in their learning. Our school acknowledges that student wellbeing and student learning outcomes are closely linked.
Student Wellbeing at Victoria University Secondary College is led and inspired by our College Principal Ms Elaine Hazim. The Principals and Campus Leadership teams meet regularly with the Student Wellbeing Team to ensure all students have access to Student Wellbeing services in order to ensure that they are able to fulfil their potential in life and become positive and productive members of our local community.
We have a Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy and a School Community Student Wellbeing Framework and these highlight our collective responsibility and commitment to:
- provide a safe and supportive learning environment for students
- consistently communicate and monitor expectations for positive student behaviour
- support students and families to access specialist support services.
Students may access the Student Wellbeing Team through family, teacher, or self-referral where they will be able to meet with a range of professionals who are able to assist in ensuring that the student feels supported throughout their secondary schooling at the college.
The Student Wellbeing Team consists of a team of professionals across the College:
- Kimberly Emtsis – Student Wellbeing Manager
- Kassandra McCulloch – Youth Worker
- Joe Tynan – Social Worker
- Macarena Morella Castellon – Social Worker
- Bronwyn Anderson – DET School Nurse
- Tanya Nguyen – Mental Health Practitioner
The Wellbeing Team are able to assist students and families through providing a range of services. This may include one-on-one support and counselling, specialised programs, guest speakers, scholarship opportunities and breakfast club.
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RRRR Program
VUSC is implementing the Rights, Resilience and Respectful Relationships program, which is a primary prevention initiative to reduce family violence through promoting and modelling respect, positive attitudes and behaviours. If you are experience family violence, or would like information or support, please visit the site below or call 1800RESPECT.
https://www.vic.gov.au/family-violence-statewide-support-services
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Mental Health Services and Support
The school community is welcome to access these services for mental health support:
Headspace
https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/mentalhealthhub
https://www.foodbank.org.au/?state=vic
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