Students have a team of staff members dedicated to supporting them with their pastoral care needs. This includes matters regarding mental health and wellbeing, social and emotional support, practical issues (uniform, attendance, etc.) and academic questions, such as subject selections, career pathways, homework and more.
The College prides itself on having a strong Student Support Centre. We have a team specialising in positive behaviour support, who focus on the many aspects of student wellbeing. Throughout the school year, the Support Centre facilitates a range of activities and discussions for students which cover essential topics like social media usage, bullying and mental health.
All students are allocated to a House when they begin at the College, which they will be connected to for Home Room, carnivals and a number of other features of College life. Students can participate in these activities to win points for their Houses and to be a strong part of the Ellenbrook Secondary College community.
Students are also given the opportunity to earn House Points for displaying the College values of Engagement, Success and Community, with the opportunity to be rewarded as the winning House at the end of the year.
Our Student Support Officers (SSO) are the main support personnel in Student Services. They work tirelessly with students to discuss their education pathways, personal or social matters and work with an array of people to develop supportive strategies and to guide students through their educational pathways. The SSO’s communicate and liaise with students, parents, teachers and other Student Services personnel.
Pastoral Care Team
AIEO
The Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer (AIEO) plays a vital role in supporting teachers with the delivery of educational programs while fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Acting as a bridge between the school and the community, the AIEO helps develop culturally relevant programs and provides mentoring and pastoral care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, particularly those at risk, to encourage their engagement and success.
Additionally, the AIEO supports students’ health and well-being and works alongside teachers to implement effective educational and behavioural management strategies.
The AIEO also collaborates with the Clontarf Academy, Stars, and Follow the Dream programs, further enriching opportunities and support for Indigenous students at the College.
Contact
Mr David Bolton
Kawlija-Merle Brahim
Chaplain
Our YouthCARE Chaplain works as part of Student Services and wellbeing team, providing pastoral care and support for students, staff, and families. The Chaplain is available to listen and provide a supportive place to talk. They offer confidential, nonjudgmental pastoral care and programs based on respect, compassion, and service, with the intention of empowering every member of our community to be the best person they can be and to contribute to the wellbeing of self and others. Their primary focus is to ensure everyone is provided an opportunity to maximise their potential.
The YouthCARE Chaplain is trained in pastoral care, with ongoing professional learning opportunities provided to specialize in critical incidences, community members living in isolation and mental health initiatives.
Contact
Zac Keir
First Aid
The First Aid Office is located in LC2 and is open from 8:15 am to 3:15 pm. Students can walk in during Lunch 1 and 2. Students needing to come to First Aid Office during class or in between classes need a note from their teacher. Students who injure themselves or become unwell will be sent to the First Aid Office where appropriate first aid will be given.
Students should not contact parents if they are unwell. The correct procedure is to see the First Aid Officer first. If the First Aid Officer is not present, students who are sick or injured should go to the Front Administration Office.
Contact:
Joanne Hunt (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday)
Rebecca Cooper (Thursday and Friday)
Nurse
The College health nurse service promotes students’ healthy development and well-being, helping them reach their full potential. The Department of Health provides this free and confidential service in partnership with the College.
Students are encouraged to make an appointment or drop in between classes when the Health Centre is open. The nurse can provide healthcare support and information in the following ways and can provide guidance on discussing health concerts with parents/carers.
- healthy eating and nutrition
- coping with illness
- feeling anxious, stressed or unhappy
- mental health and well being
- loss and grief
- relationships
- sexual health
- smoking, alcohol and drug use
- any other adolescent health concerns
Contact
Bronwyn Alexander
M: 0419 927 582
Psychologist
The role of a School Psychologist involves providing psychological services in mental health, well-being, behaviour, learning, risk, and critical incident management.
School Psychologists work at the system, group, and individual levels to support positive outcomes for students. The School Psychologist works as part of the Student Services team to support identified students. The School Psychologist may work directly (e.g. counselling) or indirectly (e.g. attending meetings, developing documented plans, liaising with key stakeholders) with students.
Parents and students can refer to the School Psychologists by contacting the respective Associate Principals, Year Coordinators or Student Services staff members to make an appointment.
School Psychologists can provide short-term counselling and support to students; however, comprehensive and long-term counselling requires referral to external agencies. Referrals to external agencies can be completed by the School Psychologist if requested.
Contact
Caitlyn Della (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday)
Liesel Lavender (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday)
Student Services
The Student Services team at Ellenbrook Secondary College focus on the development of a safe, positive and caring learning environment that will improve student outcomes. They lead the College’s Behaviour Management, Good Standing, dress code, attendance monitoring and pastoral care. The Year 11 and 12 Student Services Manager additionally assists in the monitoring of student academic progress to prioritise WACE achievement and course counselling.
Student Services Managers
Lisa McCarthy – Years 7 and 8
Rayne McKechnie – Years 9 and 10
Geoff Pielow – Years 11 and 12
Student Support Officers
Tracey Ginder – Years 7 and 8
Jess Vella – Years 9 and 10
Lisa Semmens – Years 11 and 12
Student Services Officers
Stacey Purves (Monday to Thursday)
Elaine Castledine (Monday to Wednesday)
Hanisha Mahadeva (Thursday and Friday)
Year Coordinators
The Year Coordinator liaise and collaborate with the Student Services Managers to assist in behaviour management, Good Standing, dress code, attendance monitoring and pastoral care. The Year Coordinators also plan events such as end of term rewards and other social events for students.
CONTACTS
McLaine Thomson – Years 7 and 8
Ahinekura Crawford – Years 9 and 10
Gareth Watkins – Years 11 and 12
Resources
Act Belong Commit
Ellenbrook Secondary College is a part of the Mentally Healthy Schools program and we seek to promote the Act-Belong-Commit ethos throughout our whole school community. We believe that student and staff mental health and wellbeing are one of our biggest priorities, and that to work to the best of our ability, we need to keep mentally healthy.
Act-Belong-Commit is a mental health promotion campaign that encourages everyone to take action to protect and promote their own mental wellbeing. Being active, having a sense of belonging and having a purpose in life all contribute to happiness and good mental health. At Ellenbrook Secondary College there are many opportunities for our students to act, belong and commit, and we will be highlighting these events and activities throughout 2018. We hope by promoting the Act-Belong-Commit message around the school, it not only educates young people about what they can do to prevent the onset of mental illness, but also encourages them to participate in all the activities that are on offer to be active, join in lunchtime and after school groups, and do good things for others.
Free Counselling Services
Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service – 1800 55 1800
Youthfocus Youth Counselling
Youth Focus operates a free, face-to-face and web-based professional counselling service for young people aged 12 to 25 who may be experiencing mental health challenges including suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety and self-harm.
Headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation
Headspace is Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation, providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year old.
HelpingMinds
HelpingMinds is one of the best mental health organisations in Perth offering free support to the family, friends and carers of people living with mental health challenges across Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Family Support Network
The FSN partnership enables an integrated and coordinated service approach providing support to families by linking families into services partnerships, including family support and counselling, parenting support, homelessness services, family and domestic violence services and community support.
Centrecare
Centrecare is a well-respected Catholic not-for-profit organisation providing a variety of counselling and professional social services inspired by compassion and respect for human dignity.
Child & Adolescent Health Services (CAHS)
The Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) WA is dedicated to the wellbeing of children and young people across Western Australia. It delivers a wide range of specialist services including hospital care at Perth Children’s Hospital, community health programs, mental health services, and child development support—ensuring comprehensive, family-centred care from birth through adolescence.
Crisis Care | Free Call 1800 199 008
Crisis Care provides after-hours response to reported concerns for a child’s safety and wellbeing. Additionally, they provide information and referrals for people experiencing crisis and can be contacted for advice around homelessness services. Those experiencing Family and Domestic Violence may also contact Crisis Care to discuss accommodation assistance and support services.
Lifeline | Crisis Support, Suicide Prevention | 13 11 14
A national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Mental Health Commission | 24-hour Emergency Response Line (Metro) 1800 048 636
The Mental Health Commission facilitates the delivery of mental health, alcohol and other drug services and programs.
Suicide Call Back Service | 24/7 phone counselling support 1300 659 467
Suicide Call Back Service offers free professional 24/7 telephone counselling support to people at risk of suicide, concerned about someone at risk, bereaved by suicide and people experiencing emotional or mental health issues.
Foodbank
Foodbank is Australia’s largest food relief organisation, providing food and groceries to charities and school breakfast programs in every state and territory. The school can provide referrals for families in need. These last 6 months long and are actioned through Student Services.
eSafety Commissioner online cyber safety and bullying
The eSafety Commissioner (eSafety) is an independent online safety regulator that help safeguard Australians at risk of online harms and to promote safer, more positive online experiences. eSafety is at the forefront of preventing online risks, reducing the impacts of harms and building safer digital spaces.