FROM THE HEALTH CENTRE

We would like to introduce our lovely Health Centre staff. All are qualified nurses and work with our students to ensure they look after themselves and develop good habits to stay healthy.

We encourage students to care for themselves as best they can and use the Health Centre for first aid, not just a break from class, unless their Assistant Deputy Principal (ADP) has given permission.

Mrs Kathryn Hogan says: 

I find working in the Health Centre at Sacred Heart very rewarding as we have the chance to meet/care for so many great kids. It also takes me back to my nursing days in Scotland. 

I enjoy meeting varied needs of the students and explaining the rationale behind the care we give, empowering them with the knowledge they need to stay in their best health. 

One example of this is the need to drink plenty of water, no matter the season. Many students visit the Health Centre requesting Panadol for a headache, but admit to having little or no fluids during their busy school day. 

We are lucky to have this comfortable and purpose-built Health Centre on our campus and it is well equipped to deliver basic first aid to the students.

We also have locked facilities available for students to store necessary medications, emergency or regular, as well as individual cupboards to store food for those students who require snacks to maintain energy/blood sugar levels. 

Every day is different and it can get very busy - it is not unusual to see 60 students a day which is why passing on health and wellbeing advice is just as important as putting on a band aid!

Mrs Jodi Raill says:

I really enjoy seeing the kids on a day-to-day basis along their school journey and offering advice to some for anything to low iron, dehydration, menstruation and tiredness.

I also enjoy the opportunity to build rapport with students who require regular support.

Also, I enjoy dealing with the staff along the way.

Miss Nicole Ruile says:

 Having been at Sacred Heart for a few years working at the Health Centre, one thing I have loved is seeing students growing into young adults, choosing future career interests, starting first jobs, achieving academically or in The Arts. 

When students come in for a chat, you can see their confidence in themselves has grown over the years. I also love that the Health Centre is a part of the pastoral care team in the school, so students feel safe and supported when visiting. We assist them in many ways from drying wet uniforms on a rainy day to calming and supporting anxious students.