Wellbeing
Welcome to the Counselling and Wellbeing Services Team at Marist-Sion College
The Counselling and Wellbeing Services Team consists of five staff members.
They are as follows:
- Joanna John – Director of Counselling /Psychologist
- Mel Bradley – Counsellor
- David Hobbs – Youth Worker
- Sally Pecoraro – Trauma Informed Intensive Behaviour Support Specialist
- Vannessa Prideaux – Counsellor
During adolescence, students may experience a wide range of behavioural, emotional, social, and psychological issues that may impact on their personal wellbeing and learning progression. Examples include low mood, anxiety, isolation, friendship difficulties, family difficulties, relationship issues, school refusal behaviours, bullying, traumatic events, alcohol and substance abuse, self-worth, gender and identity issues. Marist-Sion College provides counselling services to support students and assist their families in working through issues that might impact on their wellbeing and learning.
Marist-Sion College is committed to providing a respectful, responsible, and safe environment and assisting students to develop wellbeing skills and behaviours to resolve problems in academic, psychological, emotional, and social contexts.
Objectives of the Counselling and Wellbeing Services Team providing counselling services:
- Students receive one to one confidential support from a mental health professional at the College and assistance to connect with external services as needed.
- Students receive targeted supports to suit their mental health and wellbeing needs.
Appointments are offered on a weekly to fortnightly basis depending upon the level of need a young person presents with.
We are blessed to have a calm and nurturing communal waiting room that students can access at any time should they need a quiet space to engage in self-regulation. Given the importance of our young people being a part of the learning community and the high demand for this space, students are offered fifteen minutes to ground themselves before being requested to return to class. If a young person is unable to do this, parents or caregivers may be telephoned to come and pick them up. Of course, there are times when a student requires longer than fifteen minutes, but this will be negotiated on an individual basis.
If you wish to discuss this process further, please contact Joanna John – Director of Counselling.
Medical Profile Updates
During the holidays, the medical team have been busy updating their Student Medical Profiles, as well as conducting Medication Audits for students who require medication administration at school. We kindly ask that you take some time to update your child’s current medical profile on PAM.
Emails and forms have been sent out to those families who require an updated Medication Administration Form. Please sign, date, and return the form to school asap. It is a legal requirement that we have current written consent from parents. This allows staff on site to administer medication to your child as required. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the medical team.
Thank you for your support,
Marist-Sion Medical Team
Respectful Relationships
Initiating conversations about respectful relationships with children is crucial for their emotional and social development. By addressing topics like kindness, empathy, and communication, parents create a foundation for healthy interactions. These discussions promote awareness of boundaries, consent, and mutual understanding, fostering a safe environment where children can thrive. Teaching respect from an early age equips kids with essential skills to navigate friendships and romantic relationships, building a future based on empathy and equality. Open dialogues about respect empower children to recognise and value their own feelings and those of others, cultivating a positive and harmonious approach to all relationships.