2024 Newsletter ~ Port Melbourne Primary School

Meet the Wellbeing Team

Kristen Cutting

Assistant Principal (Acting) (Wellbeing) and 2B Classroom Teacher

 

I’ve been teaching for 29 years and moved to Melbourne from South Australia about 18 years ago with my husband Mike and daughter Mackenzie. I am Early Childhood trained and love teaching in the Early Years. 

 

I teach 3 days in 2B and on the other days I work as Acting Assistant Principal. As part of my AP role, I manage Student Wellbeing which is a particular passion of mine. I plan our Berry Street Educational Model (BSEM) Ready to Learn program and oversee both the Student Wellbeing Team and The Wellbeing Dog Program.

 

As a Port Melbourne local, I love my short commute to work and I am very lucky to live and work in this wonderful community. You might also know me as our wellbeing dog, Alfie's mum and see us walking around together in the yard or in the parks or on the beach. I am a great Carlton fan and also love travelling and hanging out with friends and family. 

  • What I'm reading right now: A Jack Reacher book
  • Favourite sport: Basketball
  • My favourite subject (when I was at school): Sport and Art
  • How long I've taught at PMPS: 11 years!

Annalisa Picone

 Child and Trauma Counsellor

My name is Annalisa Picone and I am a Child and Trauma Counsellor, specialising in Children and Adolescence/Child Development and Effective Parenting/Family Therapy. 

 

I am very excited to join Port Melbourne Primary School. With a heart full of compassion and a spirit brimming with resilience, I have devoted my career to providing unwavering support and guidance to young people who have experienced trauma. 

 

My job has taken me into many different spaces and places in the past years, such as Child Protection, Victoria Police units for youth crime and justice, and mentoring programs on the streets for kids. A deep understanding of trauma-informed care enables me to approach each child with a unique view, still with empathy, patience, and sensitivity, ensuring that they feel seen, heard, and valued every step of the way. 

 

In the last five years my career has taken me to the most vulnerable state schools in Victoria as a student counsellor with neuro-diverse affirming students. This has been the most rewarding part of my career, as I believe schools provide a safe place, and sometimes a “home away from home” for children and adolescents who have fallen through the gaps of society.

 

I am sure, I’m not the only one who has discovered that students are not defined by their past, but rather empowered by their resilience. They are a shining example of what it means to be a champion for those students who show up to school and inspire us to give them tools for a brighter future.

Linda Walsh

Youth Worker

I am a mum to two gorgeous boys, 3 years and 6 years of age. We love to spend our weekends walking on the beach, playing at local parks and catching up with family and friends. 

 

A good coffee and dark chocolate are my loves! 

 

I have worked with young people in various settings for the past 20 years including residential care and student wellbeing in schools and I have a background in youth work and counselling. 

 

I can work with your students offering 1:1 sessions or small group work. I work with students on a number of different topics including resilience, self confidence, relationships, family and mental health.

  • What I'm reading right now: Lego City and The Very Sleepy Bear are on high repeat at the moment!
  • Favourite sport: Basketball
  • My favourite subject (when I was at school): Health
  • How long I've taught at PMPS: 6 months.

Jane Hayes

Reception/Wellbeing Support

 

I have worked in schools for over 14 years. Prior to that I had a corporate background in Licensing, launching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in Australia and working with brands such as the AFL, NFL (I went to a Super Bowl - it was boring), Warner Bros and the Harry Potter franchise to name a few. 

 

I love working at PMPS with our incredible staff and most importantly our students who make me laugh every day. 

  • What I'm reading right now: Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell
  • Favourite sport: Rugby League - Melbourne Storm
  • My favourite subject (when I was at school): English
  • How long I've taught at PMPS: 8 years.

Alfie and Coco

Wellbeing Dogs

Scientific evidence shows that being near a dog can reduce stress and anxiety and decrease the heart rate.

 

For children, animals can help with emotional regulation, social connection and communication. They can help engage students in many curriculum areas by supporting children in feeling less self-conscious than they may feel around teachers and peers.

In adults, dogs can help with trauma, anxiety, the escalation cycle, leadership and communication. They can build empathy, awareness of others and self, increase social regulation and decrease reactivity.

Access support

We understand that a student's wellbeing is essential for their success in school and life. Students learn when they feel happy, connected and safe.  

 

To access support from our wellbeing team, complete the referral and consent forms on our website.