Learning can be challenging when students are experiencing issues related to their physical, emotional, mental or social wellbeing.
The College has a number of supports and resources to support students to continue to learn during challenging times and to ensure their safety. Building and maintaining a positive school culture and climate is foundational in the provision of this support.
Homeroom
The Homeroom program promotes a sense of school connectedness and belonging. Students develop positive relationships with their teacher who acts as their first point of contact for any concerns or matters arising and to celebrate achievements and daily life. Checking in daily for ten minutes each day allows students to feel known and cared for by their teacher, and to build a rapport of trust.
Students Services
School Nurse
Our school nurse is onsite for several days each week and fulfils multiple roles. This includes Health Promotion such as healthy lifestyle and relationships, individual consultations for students who need a listening ear, and support to families as school liaison for the development of Health Plans for any special medical needs of students.
Doctors in Secondary Schools
Our school is part of the Doctors in Schools program which provides us with the services of a Doctor and Nurse one day per week. Bulk-billed appointments can accessed by any Secondary student at the college or Primary students with an accompanying parent or guardian. Students can make appointments with our school nurse or they can drop in.
Student Support Coordinator
Our Student Support Coordinator works as liaison with community agencies, families and school staff to support students with additional needs. This includes but is not limited to, the coordination of the Program for Students with Disabilities, coordinating and conducting Student Support Group meetings, and working on the learning goals with staff and students.
SSS support
Our school receives additional support services from the DET in the form of Speech Pathology, Educational Psychology and Visiting Teachers.
School Counsellor/s
Our school has a visiting mental health practitioners who are onsite for approximately two days per week to support students with their mental health.
Breakfast Club & Fruit Program
Our College runs a breakfast program three mornings a week where students can access food for learning. Fresh fruit and other supplies are available to students and families at different times of the year. Food is stored in the College foyer and fruit is distributed in the BER and at other places in the school.
Dogs Connect Program
Wedderburn College are very lucky to have a special member of their wellbeing team- Yindi.
Yindi is the school’s therapy dog from the Dogs Connect program. She is very well loved and has been an amazing support to students and staff.
About Dogs Connect Program:
For children, animals can help with emotional regulation, social connection and communication. They can help engage students in many curriculum areas by supporting children in feeling less self-conscious than they may feel around teachers and peers.
In adults, dogs can help with trauma, anxiety, the escalation cycle, leadership and communication. They can build empathy, awareness of others and self, increase social regulation and decrease reactivity.