GEC Wellbeing Team – Term 4 Update

Learn · Grow · Connect

Welcome to Term 4! The Wellbeing Team is looking forward to another term of supporting our students to feel connected, safe and ready to learn. There is plenty happening across our school community, and we would like to share a few updates and celebrate some wonderful achievements.

A change to our team

Our amazing Student Wellbeing Officer, Emsal, is taking leave for Term 4. We wish her a wonderful, relaxing break and hope she enjoys some well-deserved time to recharge!

We have been incredibly fortunate to welcome Heidi to the team. Heidi has made a fantastic start, seamlessly stepping into the role and providing a calm, welcoming presence for students in our new Wellbeing space. We are delighted to have her on board!

Social Skills Group – a wonderful finish!

We have recently wrapped up our Term 3/4 Social Skills Group, and it has been a super-fun experience! These sessions provide students with opportunities to build friendships, strengthen social confidence and develop skills to support positive connections with others.

A huge thank you to Teagan and Jess, our Master of Counselling student on placement, for their energy, care and commitment in making the program such a success. We really appreciate everything you have contributed!

Short-term counselling support at GEC

GEC is fortunate to host a Monash University Master of Counselling student on placement one day per week. As part of their supervised placement, there may be opportunities for students to access short-term, evidence-based counselling support, depending on their individual needs, the suitability of the placement service and available capacity.

If you feel your child may benefit from this support, please contact Nicholas Ford at nicholas.ford@education.vic.gov.au to discuss their needs and the appropriate next steps. Referrals will be considered on an individual basis, with any support arranged in accordance with relevant consent, supervision and school procedures.

Please note that placement counselling is a limited, short-term support option and is not a substitute for ongoing or specialist mental health care where this is required. The Wellbeing Team can help discuss other appropriate support pathways if needed.

A big thank you to Roz and El!

We would like to recognise our incredible Adolescent Health Nurse, Roz, who has supported so many of our students to navigate the joys and challenges of adolescence.

Through individual support and small-group education, Roz helps students build their understanding of a range of adolescent health topics and develop the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their wellbeing. Thank you, Roz, for the care, expertise and approachable support you bring to our school community!

We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to El, who has been a wonderful source of support for our Year 12 students throughout their four years at GEC. El has supported many students through complex and challenging personal circumstances, offering care, understanding and guidance when it has mattered most. The positive difference this support has made to our students and their journey through secondary school is truly valued.

Thank you both for the compassion, commitment and care you bring to our GEC community.

Introducing our Reset/Return procedure

This term, GEC has introduced a new Reset/Return procedure, aligned with our commitment to positive behaviour, student wellbeing and keeping students engaged in learning.

Sometimes students experience a moment of difficulty, frustration or emotional dysregulation that makes remaining in the classroom challenging. Reset/Return provides a structured opportunity for students to pause, regulate and prepare to return to learning.

The process involves:

• Reset: Students are supported to calm and regulate with an appropriate staff member.
• Check-in: Staff briefly explore what the student needs to settle and move forward.
• Return: A plan is made to help the student return to class and continue learning.
• Restore: Where needed, follow-up and restorative conversations help rebuild relationships and repair harm.

Reset/Return is not a punishment or an alternative to attending class. It is a short, purposeful support process designed to help students regulate and return to learning as soon as they are ready.

At GEC, we know that wellbeing and learning go hand in hand. Being in class matters. Classrooms provide opportunities for learning, connection, routine, relationships and success. Our goal is to work alongside students and staff to develop the skills and strategies students need to manage challenges, remain engaged and thrive at school.

Congratulations, Year 12!

A huge congratulations to all our Year 12 students and their families on reaching the end of their final scheduled days of classes — and a big thank you to the teachers who have supported them along the way!

This is a significant milestone, and we hope our Year 12s take a moment to recognise just how far they have come. While the focus now shifts to exams, remember that you do not have to navigate this period alone.

Our Year 12 students can continue to access wellbeing support in the lead-up to their exams. 

We encourage everyone to:

• Get outside: Take a break, enjoy some fresh air and move your body.
• Stay connected: Check in with your friends and make time for the people who help you feel supported.
• Look after the basics: Aim for regular sleep, nourishing food and manageable study routines.
• Ask for help: If things feel overwhelming, reach out to a trusted adult or the Wellbeing Team.

Remember to check in on one another. A simple message, a conversation or asking a friend how they are really going can make a meaningful difference during a stressful time.

We wish all our Year 12 students every success in their exams and the exciting next chapter ahead!

The GEC Wellbeing Team

We are here to support our students to feel connected, build resilience and participate fully in school life. Together, we can help every student Learn, Grow and Connect throughout Term 4.

Nicholas Ford

Head of Wellbeing