Wellbeing

The Guidance Officer (GO) leads the wellbeing team and provides expertise in mental health and social emotional learning (SEL). The main goal of the GO is to increase access to the curriculum for young people who face various psychological and cognitive challenges, as well as engage in a proactive approach to improve student wellbeing. GOs liaise with external professional agencies to provide wraparound support for students in need.

Guidance Officers are experienced teachers who have completed postgraduate qualifications in guidance and counselling. Each school has at least one Guidance Officer who works as part of the administration team within the school.

Areas of operation

Predominant areas of operation are:

• Complex case management 
• Verification of students with special needs 
• Trauma informed education
  
• Mental health first-aid
• Behavioural counselling
  
• SEL curriculum oversight
• Career counselling and advice 
• Career pathways
• Staff capacity building

Accessing services

Students facing challenges can contact the Student Services team for support. Secondary students can self-refer and primary students require a signed consent form to access Guidance Services.

Parents/carers can contact the Student Services team should they have concerns regarding their children’s wellbeing. Appointments can be made by phoning the front office or via email at bmodi3@eq.edu.au. The Guidance Officer is at the College on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

School Based Youth Health Nurse - Shari Pinfield     

The School Based Youth Health Nurse (SBYHN) Program is funded by QLD Health for High School students, their families and carers.

More specifically, SBYHNs provide the opportunity for young people, their parents/carers and members of the school community to access a health professional for matters relating to the health and wellbeing of young people and support school communities to adopt a whole-of-school Health Promoting Schools approach to address contemporary health and social issues facing young people and their families in order to help young people make a safe and healthy transition into adulthood.

The SBYHN is available for confidential consults with students aged 12 and over, their families and carers, as well as staff and will refer to specialist support agencies if necessary, or provide health information or advice.

The SBYHN can provide health and wellbeing information about:

• healthy eating and physical activity
• mental health
• personal or family problems
• healthy skin
• sexual health
• smoking, alcohol and other drugs
• growth and development
• relationships

The services not provided by the SBYHN:

• medical treatments or first aid
  
• physical examinations
• ongoing counselling for psychological problems

Students, parents, carers and staff can self-refer by dropping in, emailing or phoning.

Alternatively, you can refer if you are concerned about someone else.

Shari Pinfield  - School Based Youth Health Nurse

Email: spinf5@eq.edu.au

Mobile: 0427 009 887

Wednesday's and alternate Thursdays

Student Wellbeing Officer - Jane Jenkins                

The Student Wellbeing Officer (SWO) works across both campuses and provides support for students in the space of wellbeing and social/emotional development. The SWO responds to individual and group differences, promotes collaborative learning, connects to the hearts and minds of student, and teaches students how to manage their wellbeing.

Jane has been involved in the Kuranda education community for many years and has supported a wide variety of students facing a wide variety of challenges. Jane can be contacted during school hours via the school office or on email at jjenk148@eq.edu.au.

Areas of operation

• Wellbeing team member

• Student attendance focus

• Family and school connections and partnerships

• Scholarship and training support

• Community connection activities
  

• Supporting student learning outcomes

• Member of college Positive Behaviour for Learning team

• Social and emotional program support and delivery

• Individual support of students with specific social and emotional needs, grief and loss, separation and divorce situations and support with managing academic workload

• Transition support of students from primary to secondary schooling

• Implementation and maintenance of a safe, supportive and positive school environment
  

Mental Health Week – October - initiatives for staff and student wellbeing – guest speakers and interactive student sessions at break times, brewed coffees and homemade muffins for staff, Chappy foot massages and professional massage sessions for all staff.