Pastoral Care and Wellbeing - SchoolTV
Mater Dei Catholic College Psychology Service
Employed by the Catholic Education Diocese of Wagga Wagga Faith and Wellbeing Team, Ms Anne Hodkinson, is the College Psychologist, working full time during regular school hours. The College Psychologist works in a consultative, resourceful and supportive manner with a strong focus on achieving the best outcomes for students.
The College Psychologist works alongside staff:
fostering academic achievement
promoting positive behaviour and mental health
supporting diverse learners
creating safe and positive school climates
strengthening family-school partnerships
improving school-wide accountability
Responsibilities include:
providing direct assistance and interventions for students
consulting with teachers, families, and other professionals to improve supports for students
working with school leaders to improve school-wide practices and policies
collaborating with community providers to coordinate other services that may be needed
Psychologists are trained and regulated specialist mental health professionals
A Psychologist has completed a four year undergraduate sequence of study majoring in Psychology in an accredited University program and they have either undertaken postgraduate study or professional training as specified by the Psychology Board of Australia.
To practice as a Psychologist in Australia must be registered with the Australian Health Professionals Registration Authority (AHPRA). They undertake continuous professional development and as registered health professional, adhere to ethical practice and conduct guidelines.
In what circumstances might the College Psychologist be involved with your child?
Part of the adolescence is dealing with more challenges and responsibilities associated with learning, social relationships, making difficult decisions, managing emotions, worries or feelings of isolation. Beyond this, they may be dealing with anxiety or depression or other mental health issues. Sometimes assistance beyond their usual support networks is needed.
A parent or a young person may reach out for assistance but often it is key education staff that initiate the referral. The College Psychologist understands how mental health issues affect learning, behaviour, well-being and school engagement and works as part of the network that helps students deal with challenging or difficult life experiences or situations so that they better engage with their educational opportunities.
Please see attached the confidentiality & consent agreement that applies at Mater Dei if your child accesses individual clinical intervention.
The College Psychologist works with the school to promote social and emotional learning in the educational context. If there are safety concerns, the College may ask for the immediate involvement of the College Psychologist. The College Psychologist may also be requested to participate in meetings for Individual Education Plans, School Re-Entry and Return to School Meetings.
The College Psychologist may run psychoeducational group work programs and attend classes to the support social and emotional learning opportunities that are provided as part of the curriculum. As such, the College Psychologist will have a role, either directly or indirectly, with your child during their time at Mater Dei.
SCHOOLTV
School TV will be available again to parents in 2019! MDCC SchoolTV
SchoolTV provides clear, relevant and fact-based information aimed at assisting parents to raise safe, happy and resilient young people. It’s an online resource designed to empower parents with credible, sound information and with realistic and practical strategies.
Multimedia content is organised by topic and is informed by Australia's experts and leaders in the field. New content scheduled and Special Reports will continue to be added during the year.
Click herefor the latest special reports. The School Survival Series is worth a look for those wondering how to best support their child with school transitions.
Parents and educators can confidently refer to this site at a time that suits them and have confidence that on offer in the one place is quality information from reliable sources. The site also helps schools understand the issues that are concerning parents the most.
This resource is funded and endorsed by CEDWW and available to all schools across the Diocese. We are confident that School TV will further support parents, carers and educators in raising safe, happy and resilient young people.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered and we always welcome your feedback.
Please make contact with the College through the front office on 02 6923 8300.
Ms Anne Hodkinson | College Psychologist