The Head of Wellbeing is a leadership role that is designed to write and implement our wellbeing program and provide a link between our Wellness and our Wellbeing Teams.

The Wellness Team

Our Wellness team consists of three Psychologists one Youth Worker and a College chaplain, who are an integral part of the Wellbeing Team. Specifically the Wellness Team provide:
• Initial assessment and mental health support
• Consultations with parents and staff
• Targeted programs to meet student needs

• Provide support to students and families who are school refusing

• Provide guidance and support with out of home care students

• Provide a link between our wellness and wellbeing teams

• Advice about and referral to support services available in the community
• Support to Student Welfare Action Groups (SWAG) and Student Support Services

Enrolment at the College indicates parental consent for student access to all student support services. Referrals to the Wellness Team are often made by staff and parents, but students are also welcome to self-refer. Frequently, contact is made with parents, and if there is serious risk of harm, steps are always taken to ensure the student’s safety.

How do students meet with a College clinician?

The College clinicians are located near the Career’s Office on the Edmund Rice Campus or opposite reception at the Westcourt campus. Students can ask their Homeroom teacher or member of staff to assist them to make contact with the college clinicians. Students are also welcome to self-refer using the link on the SIMON student portal. Students or their parents/guardians can phone or email the team directly.

Learning Diversity

Our Learning Diversity Team proudly imbues our Edmund Rice philosophy of an inclusive approach, being respectful of diversity and the “profound belief in the equal dignity of persons.” This translates to championing all students regardless of background, ability or difference in ability. The establishment of this supportive and respectful environment is paramount to creating a framework for all students to thrive in both their learning and social interactions.

SJC education aims to develop a school culture that reflects care, concern and respect for diversity and learning.

Funding to support these goals is received from the Catholic Education Office through the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) process. This funding supports those who have a diagnosed or imputed disability which impacts on their learning in the regular classroom. Adjustments within the classroom occur to allow individual students to achieve and reach their potential in learning and their social connectedness with our SJC community.

Teachers and Learning Diversity Officers working in the area of Educational Support, assist students by supporting individual, groups and teachers within the classroom.

The College has a diverse Learning Diversity Team which consists of a Head of Learning Diversity, Learning Diversity Leaders (at each sub-school), Learning Diversity Officers and an NCCD Coordinator. With our ever increasing need to support students across the College, their vast experience, care and professionalism in working with our parents and students is a living example of St Joseph’s College strong commitment to Pastoral Care and our EREA touchstones.

NCCD (Nationally Consistent Collection of Data)

WHAT IS THE NCCD?

The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD) takes place every year. The NCCD is a collection that counts:
• the number of school students receiving an adjustment or ‘help’ due to disability
• the level of adjustment they are receiving to access education on the same basis as other students.

Students are counted in the NCCD if they receive ongoing adjustments at school due to disability. This ‘help’ allows them to access education on the same basis as a child without disability. The NCCD uses the definition of disability in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. Schools provide this education to educational authorities.

What are the benefits of the NCCD for students?

The information collected by the NCCD helps teachers, principals, education authorities and governments to better support students with disability at school. The NCCD encourages schools to review their learning and support systems and processes. This helps schools to continually improve education outcomes for all students.

For further information, go to www.nccd.edu.au or contact the NCCD Coordinator.

SWAG (Student Welfare Action Group)

Fortnightly SWAG meetings are held per year level/house consisting of the Year/House Coordinator, Head of School, Wellness Team member, Careers and Learning Diversity staff. Proactive discussions about boys who are experiencing welfare issues are had and actions are taken from certain staff.