Wellbeing News
A big welcome to our SMDP families for 2025! We are refreshed and looking forward to an exciting and engaging year ahead.
We would like to introduce our Wellbeing Team for this year and explain a little bit about each of our roles within the team.
Kathy Blythe
My role within the Wellbeing Team is to support the implementation of a whole-school approach to teaching Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) skills to our students. SEL is part of the Victorian Curriculum and is explicitly taught at SMDP using the Respectful Relationships Education Program. This year we will continue to communicate with families around the Topics One - Six via our newsletter, fortnightly overviews and student work samples. I also support and work with our student leadership team, building on their leadership skills and supporting them to have an active role within the life of our school.
Wellbeing, Student Voice & Empowerment Leader & Co Mental Health in Primary Schools Leader
(Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday)
Simone Whitehead
As the Community and Partnerships Leader within the Wellbeing Team, I connect with families and external agencies to develop and implement wellbeing initiatives across the school. I also provide support to students facing challenges at school.
In addition, I co-lead the Mental Health and Wellbeing program with Kathy. Together, we offer support and guidance on mental health matters to students, their families, and school staff.
Chiara Genovese
At SMDP, we are committed to ensuring that every student receives the support they need to thrive. As the Learning Diversity Leader, I work closely with teachers, learning support officers, allied health professionals, and families to support students with diverse learning needs. This includes developing individual adjustments, coordinating support plans and ensuring that all students are challenged and supported in their learning.
Jing Wen Ching (Jing)
I am honoured to be continuing my role as our school psychologist serving our school community.
My role entails:
consultation with teachers, educational support staffs and SMDP leadership, parents/legal guardians
observations
implementing wellbeing programs
direct evidence-based intervention/ counselling with students
cognitive and academic/learning based assessments;
social, emotional and behavioural assessments
I provide psychological service onsite at SMDP on Mondays and Tuesdays, please feel free to reach out to me at jching@smdplaverton.catholic.edu.au.
Wellbeing Team
Kathy Blythe
Wellbeing Leader
Chiara Genovese
Learning Diversity Leader
Simone Whitehead
Family Engagement Leader