Deputy Principals' Report

Meet the Teacher 

This week all families have had the opportunity this week to meet with their child's teachers. The intention of holding these meetings so early in the year is to share information that will support the students in their learning and wellbeing throughout the year.   At St Finbar's we believe that education is a partnership between home and school and like to have open communication between parents and teachers.  Teachers are always open to meeting to discuss any concerns that you may have but we do find that a phone call or meeting in person is preferable to an email, especially in regards to academic or wellbeing concerns.

Why is resilience and wellbeing important

1. Children who are not well emotionally will not be able to learn. When we are stressed the part of our brain responsible for learning does not work.
2. Calm children can focus and retain more information.
3. Resilience enables children to take safe risks without fear of failure.
4. The statistics indicate that the number of adults struggling with mental ill health has increased over the years.
5. Statistics also tell us that mental ill health is affecting young people at alarming rates and the onset is getting earlier. Prevention is the key to seeing these figures improve.

School Psychologist - Ellie Nicolay 

We are privileged to welcome back Ellie Nicolay in 2022, our school psychologist who is beginning her third year of working with St Finbar’s students. Ellie has a wealth of experience and is a great asset to our community. Ellie will be at school on Mondays to work with our students, starting Monday 7th February.  If you would like more information please contact Michelle Hill - Wellbeing Leader - mhill@sfbrightoneast.catholic.edu.au or call the school office. Please read Ellie's biography below. 

Bio: Ellie Nicolay 

Ellie is a psychologist who has a strong interest in supporting the wellbeing and positive development of young individuals and is passionate about working with children. She holds a Masters in ‘Educational and Developmental’ Psychology from Monash University, and has had experience working in primary school, secondary school and private clinic settings. Ellie provides a holistic, family-centred approach to therapy and draws from a range of evidence-based treatments including cognitive behavioural therapy, play therapy and mindfulness. She believes that a collaborative approach involving the child, their parents, teachers and other allied health professionals, is integral to achieving the best outcomes. In her other world, Ellie is also a Mum of three adolescent boys, and enjoys family time as well as reading for pleasure, cooking and walks with her Labradoodle Oscar.  

Steele Anderson and Michelle Hill

Deputy Principals