Wellbeing
Wellbeing at our school
When it comes to looking after your mental health and wellbeing, you don’t have to do it on your own.
At our school, student wellbeing and learning go hand in hand. We want every student to feel safe, included and ready to learn. Whether your child needs help with their mental, emotional, social or physical wellbeing, we are here to help them thrive at school and in daily life.
Student wellbeing at our school includes all things the school community does to meet the personal, social, emotional and learning needs of students. The components of our Wellbeing program are suited to all students regardless of cultural background, ability, religion, age, gender, sexuality or socio-economic status. The Wellbeing Policy has been developed with extensive consultation with staff, students and community members.
We take a proactive approach to assist students with their wellbeing needs by providing a supportive environment where students are valued and have opportunities to connect, succeed and thrive.
Wellbeing is an important part of learning and growing. Mitchell High School takes a whole-school approach to support students' mental, emotional and social development.
We create a respectful and inclusive environment where students feel ready to learn.
By working together and aiming high, we’re building a stronger future for our students, our school and our community.
Our school has a learning and support team, and services that works with students, to meet individual needs. Support may include:
- Learning and support teachers
- School learning support officers
- Itinerant teachers for vision or hearing
- English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D) teachers
- Aboriginal education officers
- Community and home school liaison officers
- School counsellors.
How we support student wellbeing
Supporting each student’s mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing is part of everyday school life.
We do this through:
- teachers who help students feel welcome and included
- access to school counsellors, school psychologists and specialist staff
- programs that support health, social skills, attendance and positive behaviour
- help for students who are new or changing year levels
- clear expectations for behaviour and respectful relationships
- staff who get to know each child and work closely with families
- developing health care plans for students
- open communication about wellbeing and support.
If students need mental health support
Having a tough time and need support right now? Help is available.
Access confidential, 24/7 support
If you don’t feel safe or are worried about a friend’s safety, call 000.
You can also call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) to talk to a counsellor from the National Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence hotline.
How can I look after myself?
The staff will work with you to decide who you need to talk to about whatever is going on and are here to support you. They’re there to listen to you and figure out the best way to help you.
If you need specialist help, we can organise that for you.
Public school students right across New South Wales, from Kindergarten to Year 12, can speak to a school counsellor or school psychologist. These staff have qualifications in psychology and work specifically with young people to provide extra advice and support. You can talk to them about all sorts of problems, and they can help you to understand, and manage, your thoughts and feelings. Some students talk to them when they are feeling sad, or anxious, but others just want some good advice on learning how to cope with things. Looking after your mental health is as important as looking after your physical health.
- For support, speak with a trusted friend, family member, carer or school staff member.
- School staff are available to listen to your concerns and provide you with assistance.
- You can to speak to your Year Adviser, Student Support Officer or Head Teacher Wellbeing.
- School counsellors and school psychologists and other wellbeing staff are available to help.
Our staff you can talk to should you ever have a problem. It doesn’t matter how big or small that problem might feel to you. We are here to help.
Who to see at school?
- Teacher
- Year Adviser
- Student Support Officer
- Head Teacher Wellbeing.
Supporting refugee students
Our schools offer safety, support and security to help refugee students adjust to life in Australia and participate successfully in education. We provide targeted support strategies to assist refugee students in NSW public schools.
Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG)
The NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc. is a non for profit Aboriginal organisation that provides advice on all matters relevant to education and training with the mandate that this advice represents the Aboriginal community viewpoint.
The NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc. promotes respect, empowerment and self-determination and believes the process of collaborative consultation is integral to equal partnership and is fundamental to the achievement of equality.
The NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc. advocates cultural affirmation, integrity and the pursuit of equality to ensure that the unique and diverse identity of Aboriginal students is recognised and valued.
Mitchell High School is part of the Nurringingy Regional AECG. Representatives regularly attend meetings at different schools in the region. Please find the link below to the AECG’s website.
We know that we need to learn about, nurture and value the cultural identity of our Aboriginal students to help them be successful learners.
We welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, parents and carers, as well as community members to our school so that we can get to know each other, learn about the local Aboriginal community and develop shared goals and plans for Aboriginal students.
The Aboriginal Education Policy confirms the NSW Department of Education’s commitment to improvement in educational outcomes and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Cultural diversity
At Mitchell High School, we welcome and support students from all backgrounds. We believe diversity is a strength. We make sure every student is included and respected.
We welcome diversity and provide personalised support for students with different learning needs, disabilities, health conditions or wellbeing challenges.
Heritage Day at our school is a celebration where students and staff showcase and learn about the diverse cultures within the school community. It's an opportunity to appreciate different traditions, customs, languages, and values, fostering cultural understanding and respect. Events often include cultural performances, sharing of traditional foods, and presentations on various cultural background.
Need support for your child's wellbeing?
If you require more information, please contact Ms M. Cate, Head Teacher Wellbeing.
Additional learning support
At our school, we ensure every student is ready to learn. We support students with disability and additional learning needs so they can take part in all areas of school life. You do not need a formal diagnosis for your child to receive support in a mainstream class. Support can begin at any stage of school.
Our principal and staff
Educators play a vital role in student education. Our school leaders, including our principal, guide teachers and students with a focus on safety, community and family partnerships. They help create a school culture where every child is supported to grow, thrive and feel safe.
Get to know our principal and staff, who work together to create a positive school culture.
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