The Student Wellbeing Coordinator and Student Support Team Leader at Western Port Secondary College plays a vital role in promoting student wellbeing through a whole-school approach that involves staff, families, and the wider community. This role includes providing individual counselling, coordinating referrals to internal and external services, and ensuring students are supported through effective communication and collaboration. As the school’s Child Safety Officer, the coordinator is responsible for overseeing child safety policies and practices. They lead the Student Support Team and support the strategic development and implementation of wellbeing initiatives aligned with the school’s Strategic and Annual Implementation Plans. The role also involves leading staff professional learning, guiding evidence-based practices, and partnering with community services to ensure accessible, proactive, and solution-focused wellbeing support for all students.

The Adolescent Health Nurse works as part of the school’s Wellbeing Team – collaborating with youth workers who have a focus on behaviour and mental health, the mental health practitioner, counsellors, and other professionals (both internal and external), to meet the diverse needs of our school community.

The focus of the role is on health promotion, education, and prevention, with activities guided by a two-year Health Promotion Plan (HPP) developed in consultation with school leadership. This plan addresses priority areas including mental health, respectful relationships, alcohol and drug education, sexual health, and physical wellbeing.

Whether teaching a class on Consent or Vaping, organising school-wide health initiatives, or supporting students through one-on-one consultations, the Adolescent Health Nurse helps create a safe and supportive school environment where students can thrive.

The Mental Health Practitioner (MHP) at Western Port Secondary College is a registered General Psychologist who provides professional mental health support to students experiencing mild to moderate mental health concerns. Working closely with the school’s wellbeing team, the MHP offers early intervention through short-term counselling, collaborates with staff and families, and coordinates support for students with more complex needs. In addition to individual support, the MHP helps develop and implement evidence-based mental health strategies, promotes whole-school wellbeing initiatives, and delivers professional guidance to build staff capacity in supporting student mental health. This role is part of a statewide initiative by the Department of Education to strengthen mental health services in government schools, ensuring students have timely access to qualified support within the school setting.

At Western Port Secondary College, the School Chaplain provides holistic wellbeing support to students, staff, and families through pastoral care, mentoring, and informal counselling. They build trusted relationships, offer a supportive presence during both challenges and celebrations, and contribute to proactive wellbeing programs, all in a respectful, inclusive, and confidential manner.

At Western Port Secondary College, the Defence School Mentor (DSM) supports students and families of Australian Defence Force members by helping them settle into the school community, offering guidance during transitions and parental absences, and fostering connection through events and peer support. The DSM also raises awareness of the unique needs of Defence families, monitors student wellbeing, and works closely with staff, families, and external services to ensure Defence students feel supported, included, and understood. In addition, the DSM plays a key role in promoting and coordinating school-wide events such as Remembrance Day and ANZAC Day, helping the school community honour and recognise the service of Defence personnel.

Our School Roving Team, consisting of four trained youth workers—Andrew, Emma, Tatenda, and Dan—provides vital support to students throughout the school day. Each team member is skilled in managing and supporting complex behaviours and has training in youth mental health counselling. The roving team assists in the implementation of Ready to Learn (RTL) Plans and promote School-Wide Positive Behaviour strategies to help maintain a safe and inclusive learning environment. The team also supports students with co-regulation and, when necessary, guides them to the Reset Centre for a calm and supportive break. All students have access to RTL Plans, which offer flexible strategies such as walking breaks, mindfulness colouring, or shooting hoops. This responsive approach helps ensure every classroom remains a safe, supportive, and engaging space for learning.

Student Support Services (SSS) is a Department of Education program in Victoria, Australia, that provides specialist support to schools to help students overcome barriers to learning and wellbeing.

SSS teams typically include psychologists, speech pathologists, social workers, and other allied health professionals. They work with students, families, and school staff to assess and address learning, emotional, behavioural, and developmental needs.

Their support may involve:

• Assessments (e.g. cognitive, speech, behavioural)
• Short-term counselling or interventions
• Referrals to external services
• Collaborative planning for individual learning and wellbeing needs
• Support for students with disabilities or additional needs

SSS aims to enhance student engagement, improve educational outcomes, and promote mental health and wellbeing across school communities.

At Western Port Secondary College, we are committed to supporting our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through culturally safe and empowering programs.

Shane Gittens, our Koorie Engagement Support Officer (KESO), works closely with students, families, and staff to promote cultural identity, strengthen community connections, and support positive educational outcomes. Shane also provides guidance to the school on inclusive and respectful practices.

We are proud to have Nash Jones, a former student of the college, in the role of First Nations Student Empowerment. Nash works directly with our First Nations students to build confidence, celebrate cultural identity, and support their personal and academic growth.

In addition, we welcome Mark Thomas from headspace, who joins us regularly in his role as a Koorie Engagement Support Worker. Mark collaborates closely with Nash to provide culturally responsive wellbeing support and mentorship for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Together, Shane, Nash, and Mark form a strong network of support, ensuring our First Nations students feel respected, connected, and empowered throughout their school journey.

At Western Port Secondary College, we are proud to partner with headspace to provide Youth Peer Support for our students. This program is delivered by Asal Mohammadi, a trained Youth Peer Support Worker with lived experience of navigating mental health challenges and recovery. Asal offers compassionate, relatable support, helping students feel understood, connected, and less alone. By sharing her story and strategies, she helps reduce stigma, encourages help-seeking, and promotes resilience and hope. Asal is available one day per week with limited capacity, and her support is a valued part of our wellbeing services, creating a safe and empowering space for students to build confidence in their mental health journey.