At St Columba Anglican School, student support services are provided through a holistic approach, integrating Wellbeing Teams and Learning Support Teams to address academic and welfare needs. The role of school psychologists is to support students to engage in school life and learning. This is through working collaboratively with the Wellbeing and Learning Support frameworks that exist within the school. Students and their families are essential to the success of these teams and their planning.
The comprehensive pastoral care system supports individual needs from Kindergarten to Year 12, aiming to provide a caring community and promote a sense of belonging. Objectives include fostering self-discipline, social responsibility, and quality relationships among students, staff, and parents. Led by the Dean of Students and the Deputy Director of Wellbeing, the team includes Year, House and Tutor group patrons (Secondary) and Stage Coordinators (Primary) who work with teachers to identify students needing support. Support can involve social skills programs, referrals, and involving families in planning when additional interventions are necessary. Initial concerns can be addressed by contacting students' Year Patrons (Secondary) or Classroom Teachers (Primary).
The team addresses a wide range of educational environments and needs, supporting students through collaboration with families and teachers. It comprises Lead Teachers, academic staff, and school psychologists, aiming to maximise participation, promote inclusion, and support student achievement. The team evaluates and implements frameworks such as intervention programs, Individual Plans, and assessments. Families often work with the team and, if needed, are encouraged to seek help from external health professionals.
Our registered psychologists support mental health and educational needs across all year levels, providing brief interventions, classroom observations, and helping with specific learning or behavioural issues. The psychologist works within the Learning Support and Wellbeing Teams, collaborating with teachers and families to support students. Long-term counselling is not provided; instead, the psychologist aids in short-term interventions leading to external support. The role is to handle issues impacting school engagement, with confidentiality maintained, except in cases involving harm or legal requirements. The psychologists also work with families to support students with disabilities, helping to plan for their individual needs.
If you have any concerns about your child’s wellbeing, the best first step is to reach out to their Classroom Teacher (Primary) or Year Patron (Secondary). From there, referrals to the School Psychologist are made through the Wellbeing and Learning Support Teams, ensuring each student’s needs are carefully considered. Support is tailored using the School’s expertise and resources, and may involve collaboration between staff, external providers, and families to create a plan that best supports your child’s growth and wellbeing.
The School psychologist offers a confidential service respecting the individual’s privacy. However, in certain circumstances, parents and appropriate staff will be contacted:
The School Psychologist works as a part of the Wellbeing Team and Learning Support Team, and with permission will share relevant information with the child’s teacher/s and other staff who work with the child.
St Columba Anglican School collects general information about students and families when necessary to:
Some student records may be shared with the Australian Independent Schools (AIS) for auditing and funding purposes. This information is de-identified, and only essential information is shared. School Psychology files are stored securely in accordance with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) regulations.
Sometimes, referrals to external specialists like psychologists or health services offer more suitable assistance. The school maintains strong connections with local providers to facilitate these services.
If you need further help, see the national services and support below.
There are many different mental health services in Australia, provided by governmental bodies at the federal and state levels, as well as by the private sector. These services are available through face-to-face interactions, online platforms, or via telephone. We have included some of these services below.
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help now, call triple zero (000).
You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14 — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
