Health and Wellbeing
Wishing everyone a safe summer break
The school's Wellbeing Team would like to wish a Happy New Year to all our students, families, and staff. We hope all had an enjoyable summer break and are feeling ready for the year ahead. A particularly special welcome to the year 7 cohort and any new students to our school community. We are looking forward to working together and celebrating all things health and wellbeing in 2025.
Just in case you are new to the school community or need a reminder of who supports student wellbeing at BYCS, see below:
Wellbeing Team Leader - Cathryn (new in 2025)
Youth Worker (Richmond) - Zali
Youth Worker (Richmond) - Rylie
Youth Worker (Coburg & Richmond) - Hannah
Art Therapist (Coburg & Richmond) - Elle
Mental Health Practitioner - Gen (returning in 2025)
Secondary School Nurse - Tess
Additionally, community-based wellbeing supports for during the school holidays are provided (as a clickable attachment) below.
Farewells
We will be farewelling some members of our wellbeing team at the end of this year.
Noah Nischler (Wellbeing Team Leader): In addition to being a classroom teacher, Noah has provided exemplary leadership to the wellbeing team over the past few years. Noah has brought his expertise in the area of inclusion and student support to help the school strengthen its practices and improve its processes. Noah's relentless positivity and unconditional positive regard for young people has been a model for others to follow. As he moves on to a regional-level leadership position in his home-state of Tasmania, we wish him well.
Fiona Freeman-Grundei (Social Worker): Fiona has worked tirelessly to support many of our students and to augment the services provided by the wellbeing team. Fiona's calm and measured presence will be missed. We wish Fiona success with her professional endeavours in 2025.
Jen Malbon (Mental Health Practitioner):The role of Mental Health Practitioner in schools is one that often requires a high level of flexibility and responsiveness and, in this, Jen has been exceptional. Their support of students and their capacity to provide insights and advice to the broader wellbeing team and teaching staff, have been invaluable. Thank you for your contribution to our school, Jen.
Lunchtime clubs
Thank you to those students who have participated in lunchtime clubs. A small, but engaged, group of young people participated in Origami Club, Gardening Club, and Magic The Gathering. We look forward to continuing these activities in 2025.
Clay Club
Throughout Term 4, students and staff have come together to participate in lunchtime ‘Clay Club’. The club is facilitated by Elle (Art Therapist), with support from our wonderful Education Support and Teaching staff. We have been thrilled with the enthusiasm and willingness of students to learn a new skill.
Clay Club will continue to run in 2025 and we welcome both current and new students to drop by and check it out. Thank you again to all who participated and supported this year!
Additional in-school supports and programs
I CAN:
Earlier this year we provided access to I CAN, Autistic-led online group mentoring programs for young Autistic people. The program builds confidence and social connection in a safe and positive environment. As a school with many young people on the spectrum, we were pleased that the I CAN program allowed participating students to be themselves, share their interests and common experiences, and benefit from I CAN mentors as role models.
YSAS (Youth Support + Advocacy Service):
We have continued to connect our young people with YSAS over 2024 and look forward to working again with YSAS in the new year. YSAS work towards improving mental health and reducing both substance use-related harm and unwanted involvement with the criminal justice system.
Wellbeing support for students over the break
