Student wellbeing is a professional support service provided to the whole school community. This consists of but not limited to: one-on-one counselling, working with families, teaching staff, support staff and outside agencies to provide the best possible outcomes for students and staff.

How to access Wellbeing: Students can access Wellbeing by making an appointment with a member of the Wellbeing team via compass or in person during recess and/or lunchtime. Staff can refer students who they have concerns for, parents can call and request an appointment for their young person.

Common problems Wellbeing can support students with:

Anxiety – social, general
Low mood/depression
Stress – related to school, work, family, other
Bullying issues – prevention & intervention
Health related problems – sexual health, nutrition advice
Friendship problems
Difficulties with social skills and interpersonal effectiveness
Behavioural Issues

Other Supports Wellbeing can provide students:

Support and encouragement to engage with extra-curricular activities within the school community
Support with their involvement in social issues, health promotion and awareness initiatives (e.g., R U OK Day)

Emily Boyle:

Wellbeing Leader

My role is to lead the Wellbeing team and be a lead contact for external support services such as our Doctors, Headspace, Royal Flying Doctors and Youth In-search. I lead School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) and Respectful Relationships alongside the Assistant Principal Cheryl Evans to embed and strengthen the SWPBS framework and the Respectful Relationships initiative across the College. I provide individual counselling to students and facilitate initiatives and programs aimed at improving student wellbeing and attitudes towards school. I have been a member of the wellbeing team since 2010 with a short secondment to DET in the Respectful Relationships Liaison Officer role. I am a registered teacher and enjoy working with staff to promote health and wellbeing within the classroom.

Available Monday and Wednesday

Megan Kenny:

Mental Health Practitioner

My role is to provide individual counselling to students experiencing mild to moderate mental health issues (i.e., anxiety, depression, stress) using evidenced based psychotherapy frameworks (e.g., cognitive behaviour therapy). I also develop and run group therapy programs that promote mental health and adaptive coping strategies for students and help facilitate preventative approaches within the school to improve the overall wellbeing of the school community. I have been a member of the Wellbeing team since mid 2020. I am a registered psychologist and also work part-time in a private practice psychology clinic in Sale. I enjoy facilitating group therapy sessions, I have a particular interest in personality and eating disorders, and working with young people.

I have started a group program run on Mondays called “Strong Minds Group” with Year 7, 8, & 9 students. The group will be one session a week for the remainder of the Term. The group is now full with 12 students participating, however I plan on running a group each term alternating between senior Years (Year 10, 11 & 12) and juniors years (Year 7, 8, & 9).

Attached is a flyer with more information.

Available Monday(all day) Tuesday and Wednesday (AM ONLY)

Karen Tenkate

Student Counsellor

My role is to provide individual counselling to students and provide complex interventions for students and their wellbeing concerns. I develop and implement proactive programs to promote positive wellbeing and to enhance our students’ sense of belonging and connectedness to Maffra Secondary College.

For most of my working life I have had the privilege of championing the next generation from the sideline in a range of different settings, from working with our communities most vulnerable young people through to working with our countries emerging young athletes. It is my belief that every young person be afforded the opportunity to be the best version of themselves, to know their strengths, and strive for their highest potential.”

Available Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Belinda Stuart

Student Counsellor

My role as a student counsellor is primarily to provide one-on-one counselling to students, and to partner with them to improve their educational experience and overall wellbeing. I see students for a range of different concerns and issues such as: mental health, family issues, peer group difficulties, support in the classroom, resilience/assertiveness training, emotional and social support and more. As I work with students to move towards their goals, I will often engage with families to ensure we are all on the same page, which provides better outcomes for the young person as we all work together. I also run small groups as needed throughout the year, these groups often target a particular need that has been identified within the school. I

Available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

Samantha Spencer:

Secondary School Nurse

My role is to promote all things health! I aim to expand and encourage healthy eating and feel-good foods to promote physical health. My role is to maintain, improve and create safe and sustainable spaces for students to socially connect with each other. My role is to engage third parties to expand on health awareness and activities, such as the school dental van, SunSmart initiatives, sexual health – this includes access to menstrual products. Whilst I don’t counsel students individually, my role encourages a whole school approach to promote health and wellbeing.

Available Monday and Thursday

External Support Services at MSC

Youth Insearch is accessible to youth aged between 14 – 20 and is young people helping young people to turn their disadvantages into advantages. Youth who are referred have the opportunity to engage in Youth Insearch programs including: foundations workshop, weekly support groups, virtual support groups, weekend workshops, case management, individualized care and a leadership program.

Headspace Enhancing Mental Health in Schools.

This service provides an opportunity for students to talk about their concerns with a headspace clinician, in a safe and confidential setting. The counselling support is designed to increase the availability of mental health support for students, improve mental health outcomes for students and assist students in finding the right support as appropriate.

Relevant External Resources available in the community

Science News

Kristen Raine