Student Wellbeing

Highlighting Child Safety

Our Highest Priority

The safety and wellbeing of every student is our highest priority at St Bede's College. To support this, we have appointed and expanded the number of Child Safety Officers who play a key role in ensuring that our community is a safe, respectful, and supportive place for all young people.

As Child Safety Officers, our role is to:

• Be the first point of contact for any child safety or wellbeing concerns raised by students, staff, or parents.
• Provide guidance and support for students who may be feeling unsafe, worried, or unsure about a situation.
• Respond promptly to any concerns, ensuring they are taken seriously and handled with care, confidentiality, and respect.
• Work closely with staff, families, and external services where appropriate, to ensure students receive the right help and protection.
• Promote a culture of safety, inclusiveness, and respect across the College.

We encourage all members of our College community to remember: if a student ever feels unsafe or has a concern (big or small) they can come and speak to a Child Safety Officer. Parents and carers are also welcome to reach out to us if they have concerns about their child’s safety or wellbeing.

By working together, we can ensure that St Bede’s remains a place where every student feels secure, valued, and supported to thrive.

If you would like further information or need to contact us, please don’t hesitate to contact Scott Cadby or Mark Jones on 9582 5999 or counselling@stbedes.catholic.edu.au

Teen Mental Health Matters - Parent Webinar

We're pleased to co-host a Teen Mental Health Matters: For Parents & Carers webinar exlusively for our College with Psychologist, Sarah Barker (Black Dog Institute) on Tuesday 21 October at 7pm. Register via theRegistration link.  

This session will cover important content including: 

• Understanding mental health in adolescence, including insights from the Future Proofing Study
• What is mental health and when to be concerned
• Key strategies to support adolescents
• Having the conversation – what to say and how to create a supportive environment
• Getting help – health professionals, online and digital support for parents and adolescents
• Promoting healthy habits – including building connections, sleep, and screen use

Please register your attendance via theRegistration linkbelow.  

The Benefits Of Counselling

What College Counselling Offers

Our service is a confidential, professional and inclusive resource for all students from Years 7 to 12, across both campuses. College Counselling is tailored to each specific student and can be offered one-on-one or in a group context. 

Support can also last from a ‘one-off’ session to weekly/ongoing appointments.It is designed to provide support for a range of issues, including but not limited to:

• Managing stress and academic pressures
• Building self-esteem and resilience
• Navigating friendships and social dynamics
• Coping with family changes or personal challenges
• Addressing feelings of anxiety or sadness, and many more

How Students Can Access Counselling 

• Self-referring to the Wellbeing Coordinator counselling@stbedes.catholic.edu.au 
• Drop-in to our Wellbeing Office at our Mentone Campus (near the Chapel gardens) 
• Requesting a referral from their Homeroom/Tutor Group teacher, Year Level/House Coordinator on their behalf
• Requesting a referral from their Parent/Guardian on their behalf (either via counselling@stbedes.catholic.edu.au or 9582 5999)

How Families Can Support 

As parents and guardians, your role in your child’s wellbeing is invaluable. Some ways you can assist your child include:

• Helping them establish a balanced routine that includes time for study, relaxation, and hobbies
• Encouraging healthy sleep habits and a nutritious diet to support their overall wellbeing
• Being attentive to changes in their behaviour or mood, and gently ask how they are feeling if and when you notice any changes
• Promoting positive self-talk and help them set realistic goals for themselves
• Modelling healthy coping strategies, such as managing stress or problem-solving constructively
• Celebrating their achievements, no matter how small, to boost their confidence
• Encouraging open conversations about their feelings and experiences – but accept and understand if and when they may not want to open up to you (if this is the case encourage them to seek help elsewhere)
• Encouraging and reassuring them that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness
• Staying informed about the services and resources the school offers

The Common Ground Parent Sessions

The Parent and Carer sessions for The Common Ground are available for you to view online at your convenience via the links below

The Common Ground: Future Fit Masculinities - Years 10 to 12

The Common Ground: Future Fit Masculinities- Years 7 to 9

We appreciate every family collaboration and commitment with our College to support our students to do their personal best.