Deputy Principal - Students

Engagement Matters

We all know that young people can thrive when they feel safe, respected and have a strong sense of belonging, connectedness and purpose. As adults, we too need the same rich soil for our own health and wellbeing to grow and thrive!

Life is not linear, and there will always be challenges and obstacles along the way. Some are temporary and with the support of caring adults and friends, the young person “comes out the other side” strengthened and ready to pack the learnings and sense of personal achievement into their invisible backpack.

Sometimes, the challenges are more complex, last for longer and need a different level and type of support.

At Sacred Heart, we support your young person along the continuum of emotional and mental health:

• Building positive relationships between subject teachers, Homeroom teachers and Year Level Leaders and students
• Following up unexplained or high absenteeism
• Explicit social emotional learning with the Wellbeing for Learning Program
• Lunchtime clubs
• Special days to celebrate diversity and build inclusion
• Individualised College counselling and pastoral care worker support
• Referrals to mental health providers
• Care team meetings with external adolescent mental health teams
• Individualised support plans for mental health, attendance and pastoral care
• School TV reports to support parents
• Parent/carer meetings

We value the relationship between teachers and students and school and home – with students in the centre.

Why am I writing this? It may all seem a bit self-evident. But we know that young people don’t always reach out for support and can struggle silently. Not all parents and carers feel comfortable opening up about the challenges they are going through with their child.

I write this because I wish to issue an invitation.

If your child needs specific support, or you wish to make us aware of potential or building concerns; please contact us. If you’re not sure where to start… reach out to your child’s Homeroom teacher or Year Level Leader. They are the teachers that see your child each and every day.