Wellbeing

Embracing Balance, Fostering Resilience: Alkira’s Wellbeing Way

Welcome to Alkira Secondary College’s Wellbeing page!

At Alkira, we prioritise the holistic development and happiness of our students. Our dedicated Wellbeing Team is here to support and guide students on their journey towards personal growth, mental health, and overall wellbeing.

We proactively work to empower young people to achieve success and a sense of belonging as well as fostering resilience and independence.

The Wellbeing Team is committed to building a secure learning environment where all students feel culturally, emotionally, and physically safe whilst reflecting the school values of Respect, Integrity, Care and Excellence.

Our Wellbeing Team consists of passionate professionals who are committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment for all students. We understand that each student is unique, and we strive to provide personalised support to address their individual needs. The team is housed in a purpose-built space that offers a safe, private, and inviting environment for students to seek help and access support services.

Our Wellbeing program is aligned with the Department of Education’s approach to improving student outcomes by using a ‘student centred’ approach and improving accessibility, by bringing services within the gates of the school.

Our team Support is accessible by self- referral, parent’s communication, or teacher intervention. Appointments do not need to be made, students can approach the wellbeing reception and triage staff member at any time.

Our skilled counsellors provide confidential and compassionate counselling services to students who may be dealing with personal, emotional, or academic challenges. They offer a safe space for students to express themselves, learn coping strategies, and work through difficult emotions.

Our behaviour specialists also run targeted and tailored in-house programs such as healthy relationships, re-engagement programs and social skills.

We also have a youth wellbeing leader program with students from all year levels, appointed by application and interview that work with our team to encourage mental health literacy and promote our programs school wide as well as running lunchtime activities in our new centre.

Confidentiality

The Wellbeing Team support is free and confidential which means anything you talk to us about will not be discussed without your permission. However, there are times when ensuring student safety and/or wellbeing requires us to speak with a carer/guardian and/or other professionals. Wherever possible, this is done with the student’s knowledge.

We work hard to support our students and recognise that families are one of the key supports for many young people. We always seek the permission of students and encourage them to discuss their concerns with their families. Where possible and with student consent, we work with families. However, there may be times where informing the family may put the student at risk, so wellbeing staff use professional judgement when deciding to inform families of the students accessing our service.

Our team collaborates closely with external mental health professionals, ensuring that students receive the best possible care when needed. We provide referrals to qualified therapists, psychologists, and other specialists in the area.

Wellbeing Activities:

We regularly organise fun and engaging challenges and activities that promote positive habits, physical wellness, and mental relaxation. These activities create a sense of community and encourage students to take breaks from their academic routines.

The Alkira Secondary College Wellbeing team is dedicated to creating an environment where students can thrive academically, emotionally and socially. We believe that by nurturing their wellbeing, students will be better equipped to face challenges and create fulfilling lives. If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to learn more about our team and services, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your wellbeing is our priority!

“Embracing Balance, Fostering Resilience: Alkira’s Wellbeing Way” 

Roles & Responsibilities in Wellbeing

The Wellbeing team use a preventative, holistic and strengths-based approach to supporting the development of our students. The team is made up of a multidisciplinary team, and are experience in a range of areas, and are passionate about helping students navigate their way through the various social and emotional challenges they may face. Below is a summary of what the team offers, and can support with

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SUPPORT

COMMUNITY CONTACTS

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RESOURCES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

For students in our college community their wellbeing is our priority, therefore the Wellbeing team has collated a list of quick links to youth resources and support pages, please see the following:

• Smiling Mind
• Smiling Thrive Inside
• Youth Beyond Blue
• Headspace
• Headspace.org – tips
• eheadspace
• Sane Australia
• Reach out. com – Apps
• Black Dog Institute – Bite Back
• MoodGym

ACCESS TO RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

Today’s families face a multitude of modern-day challenge in raising happy, well and resilient young people. Therefore, the Wellbeing Team have collated the following resources

• Headspace
• ReachOut.com – Parents
• Raising Children Network
• On Department of Education website
• Services Australia
• Better Health Network
• Anglicare – ParentZone
• Head to Health
• This Way Up – Improve Your Wellbeing
• MindSpot – Online Mental Health Tools
• My Time
• Emerging Minds
• Embrace Australia

CHILD SAFETY

The College takes seriously its commitment to child safety. For further information see the Child Safety Code of Conduct Policy