Wellbeing & Engagement
Welcome to 2026!
As we step confidently into 2026, Castlemaine Secondary College enters a year of renewal, connection, and shared purpose. Our new sub‑school model marks an exciting evolution in the way we support our young people—bringing stronger relationships, deeper understanding, and more personalised care to every student. With smaller, connected learning communities and teams who know their students well, we are better positioned than ever to respond proactively to their wellbeing and engagement needs.
This year, we are embracing a collaborative, whole‑school approach to nurturing a culture where every student feels safe, valued, and able to thrive. Our commitment to addressing bullying with clarity, compassion, and consistency is unwavering. By working together—students, staff, families, and our community—we will ensure Castlemaine Secondary College is a place where all young people feel a genuine sense of belonging and connection.
2026 is a year of opportunity: an opportunity to strengthen relationships, to elevate student voice, and to create a learning environment where every student can flourish. With optimism and collective determination, we look forward to building a school where Aspiration, Respect, and Empathy define the everyday experience of all students.
A unique Sub-School model for CSC
At Castlemaine Secondary College, our newly formed sub‑school structure is intentionally designed to support students at every stage of their secondary education. Recognising that young people’s academic, social, and wellbeing needs change as they grow, our model provides targeted support, strong relationships, and age‑appropriate learning environments that help each student feel known, supported, and connected.
Junior School – Year 7
Our Junior School is a carefully designed beginning point for students commencing their secondary education journey. Focused exclusively on Year 7, this learning community prioritises connection, belonging, and confidence building. Students are supported through the transition from primary school with clear routines, consistent staff, and a strong emphasis on wellbeing, learning habits, and positive relationships. Junior School provides a supportive foundation where students feel safe to learn, grow, and thrive in their first year of secondary schooling.
Sub-School team
Sub-School Leader: Alex Burgess-Norris
Year 7 Leader: Jane Dimsey
Community Coordinator: Erin Watt & Marie Bissonier
Transition Coordinator: Sue-Ellen Pape
Middle School – Years 8 & 9
Middle School is designed to meet the unique needs of adolescents navigating the middle years of schooling. For students in Years 8 and 9, this sub‑school provides targeted educational and wellbeing supports that acknowledge the social, emotional, and academic changes young people experience during this stage. With a proactive focus on engagement, skill development, and student voice, Middle School encourages independence while maintaining strong guidance and care.
Sub-School team
Sub-School Leader: Sophie Tanner
FLO Coordinator: Alex Playsted
Year 8 Leader: Kath Goodes
Year 8 Community Coordinator: Brendan O'Donnell
Year 9 Leader: Courtney Dodlen & Rob Flynn
Year 9 Community Coordinator: Hermoine Merry
Upper School – Years 10 & 11
Upper School is focused on supporting young people as they begin to shape their futures. For students in Years 10 and 11, this sub‑school enhances pathway development, academic growth, and personal identity. Students are supported to develop a stronger sense of self, explore their interests and passions, and make informed choices about future learning and career pathways. Upper School plays a key role in preparing students for senior schooling and post‑school opportunities.
Sub-School team
Sub-School Leader: Judith Mcclean
Year 10 Leader: Georgia Gordon
Year 10 Community Coordinator: Tom Foster
Year 11 Leader: Carys Chalklin-McDonald
Year 11 Community Coordinator: Vicky Kirke
Senior School – Year 12
Senior School is an adult learning community designed to support students completing their final year of secondary education. With a strong emphasis on individual pathways, future planning, and aspiration, Year 12 students are guided to achieve their personal best. The Senior School environment promotes independence, responsibility, and mutual respect, while providing tailored academic and wellbeing support to ensure every student is equipped for successful completion and transition beyond secondary school.
Sub-School team
Sub-School Leader: Judith Mcclean
Year 12 Leader: Brad Campbell
Year 12 Community Coordinator: Byron Wilson
Careers: Kerri Aitkin
Headstart: Sonya Carson
CSC Wellbeing Team
Our Wellbeing Team at CSC consists of:
- Wellbeing Assistant Principal: Chris Hewitt
- Student Wellbeing Workers: Shera Blaise
- Mental Health Practitioner: Lisa Cochrane
- School Nurse: Andrea Scott
Student Wellbeing Support
Our Wellbeing Team supports students across the school through:
Whole‑school approaches that promote positive mental health and build social, emotional, and behavioural skills
Early intervention and cohort‑specific support
Targeted and crisis mental health responses
Where appropriate, we may also provide:
Short‑term (2–4 sessions) school‑based counselling
Individual support planning with students and/or families
Small‑group, skills‑focused programs
Some students may require specialised support beyond what the school can provide. In these cases, referrals to external health or specialist services are made.
The Wellbeing Team is available to consult with parents and carers by phone or in person. Please allow 2–5 working days for a response.
For more information, visit the CSC Wellbeing website.
If you have concerns about your young person, you can:
Access resources on our website
Speak with their Year Level Leader
Contact the Wellbeing Team via the website or call Reception on 5479 1111
In closing
As we begin the year together, we wish all our students, parents and carers, staff, and the wider Castlemaine Secondary College community a positive and successful Term 1. We look forward to a term filled with learning, growth, connection, and opportunity, and we thank you for your continued support as we work together to ensure every student feels valued, supported, and inspired to achieve their personal best.
Kind Regards,
Christopher Hewitt - Assistant Principal (Wellbeing & Engagement)