The Red Cliffs Secondary College’s Wellbeing program is central to the College’s goal of developing resilient, compassionate, successful, citizens. The Wellbeing team works to support and challenge students to explore ways to develop their psychological, social, mental, emotional, spiritual, academic and physical health. If students are happy and healthy, they will have the opportunity to reach their capacity for learning, performance and educational outcomes. The program works to ensure the college environment is respectful and inclusive of all, and celebrates the diverse cultures and backgrounds within the college community so every student feels valued and accepted.

The challenges young people are experiencing are diverse, and the Wellbeing program is designed to provide them with the relevant support and care that could be any one of the following:

• information that will assist them in making positive choices in their lives
• identifying issues that are impacting on them and creating new ways of understanding and managing these issues. This may include developing problem solving, decision making, conflict resolution, restoring harm, de-escalating and self-regulation skills
• advocacy, mediation or negotiation with family, friends, peers or teachers
• assistance in exploring and developing their strengths, resilience, compassion, self-belief and confidence to manage the ever presenting challenges of life
• support for change, loss and grief in their lives
• referrals to Student Support Services or external agencies

Primary Prevention and Early Intervention programs:

• All junior school students participate each year in a wellbeing day that aims to build their resilience and compassion for others. These include: Managing Change for Year 7s; Staying Safe Day for Year 8s; and Mental Health Day for Year 9s.
• Senior school students are invited to train as Supportive Friends and Peer Leaders.
• The Wellbeing team members are also invited into classes to complement student learnings.

Early Intervention Programs: when needed the team will run small group programs to develop social skills, managing grief, regulating emotions, coping with stress, and mindfulness.  

Student voice and empowerment is created with the senior school network of trained Peer Leaders and Supportive Friends that works to enhance a warm, safe and welcoming culture where young people are heard, respected and valued. These two programs contribute to a healthy and happy community environment at the college with selected leaders facilitating sessions in the junior school wellbeing days. The juniors love learning from the seniors.

The Hugh Williamson Wellbeing Centre consists of: four offices, a waiting area, a wellbeing classroom fitted out with a kitchen and a large covered decking area. It provides an environment for students who may need a quiet and safe space at difficult times.

The Wellbeing Team is a team of dedicated professionals who have many years of experience between them, and who work alongside the Student Support Team:

• Julia Lohmeyer (College Nurse) has worked in a variety of settings and her focus is health promotion.
• Rebekah Milne (College Chaplain) is a family therapist and a local pastor.
• Barb O’Hara (College Wellbeing Co-ordinator) is a social worker and has worked at Student Support Services and as the region’s Wellbeing and Drug Educator.

The team also works closely with the Student Support Services Team and a variety of external agencies to ensure every student gets the support and care they need.

Accessing Wellbeing Support

Students are able to self-refer by attending the Wellbeing Centre but they are encouraged to speak to the Year Level Co-ordinator or Sub School Leader to organise a referral.
Families are able to contact the Wellbeing Co-ordinator to organise a referral for their child.
We welcome enquiries from families about the Wellbeing program, and how we can support your children to enjoy reaching their optimum wellbeing and their potential.

Doctors in Secondary Schools (DiSS) program

The service is a no cost, youth friendly service and a GP and nurse are available on Thursdays in the DiSS consulting rooms next door to the wellbeing centre. DiSS:

• Makes primary health care more accessible to students
• Provides support to young people through the early identification of health problems
• Reduces the pressure on working families
• Ensures student confidentiality

Apps and Websites

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