Student Wellbeing
Student Wellbeing
CSC provides access to a multidisciplinary Wellbeing Team consisting of appropriately trained staff, including:
- Wellbeing Assistant Principal: Chris Hewitt
- Student Wellbeing Worker: Shera Blaise
- Mental Health Practitioner: Lisa Cochrane
- School Nurse: Andrea Scott
The Wellbeing Team works in partnership with students, families, staff and external services to coordinate appropriate support.
At Castlemaine Secondary College, student wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. Guided by leading research and principals, the Wellbeing Hub focus on building a positive climate for learning. We provide a comprehensive, tiered system of support that helps every student feel safe, connected and ready to learn.
Our Wellbeing staff work closely with families, staff and community partners to deliver universal programs for all students, targeted early‑intervention supports, and intensive individual assistance when needed. Together, we create a school environment where every young person can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
At Castlemaine Secondary College we provide support across three levels:
Universal (for everyone) • Early Intervention • Targeted/Intensive Support
Tier 1 – Support for All Students
These are whole‑school programs that help create a positive, inclusive and safe school environment.
What this includes:
- Respectful Relationships (RRRR) taught across the school
- Wellbeing tips and updates through newsletters, Xuno and school events
- Bullying prevention education, including cyberbullying support
- The CSC Wellbeing website with local services and resources
- School-wide wellbeing programs such as SWPBS, HIWS, BSEM and the Extended Mentor Program
- Strong connections with local services, community organisations and support networks
- Commitment to Child Safe Standards
These help build a strong foundation for student wellbeing.
Tier 2 – Early Intervention
Tier 2 support is for students who may need a little extra help or who are beginning to show signs they’re struggling.
This may look like:
- Small‑group programs in our Calm Learning Space
- Programs funded through Supporting Families, Youth and Children (SFYS)
- Support for students during suspensions
- Involvement in Student Support Groups (SSGs) and Individual Education Plans
- School Mental Health Menu programs (e.g. Blue Edge)
- Access to the visiting Headspace counsellor
- Alcohol and other drug education
- Restorative practices
- Help for families through information, referrals and guidance
- Support for students with low attendance
- Breakfast Club
- I‑Can Network
- Mental Health First Aid training for staff and students
These supports aim to help students get back on track before issues become more serious.
Tier 3 – Targeted & Intensive Support
Tier 3 is for students who require more specialised, individual support.
This might include:
- Short‑term 1:1 wellbeing support while waiting for external services
- Case management and coordination with families, doctors and community agencies
- Risk assessments and safety plans
- Daily support for FLO students and those at risk
- Help with Behaviour Support Plans and individual safety/health plans
- Work with Autism Partnerships for students with unsafe behaviours
- Responding to Child Protection or Police requests
- Support to access external services (Navigator, Family Services, Headspace, etc.)
- Assistance with material aid and financial support
- Responding to critical incidents
- Intensive individual or group wellbeing support
- FLO Program and skills-based training
This level of support is personalised and designed to ensure students’ safety, wellbeing and engagement in school.
Cohort-Specific Support
Some students benefit from additional support tailored to their backgrounds or needs.
Students with Disabilities
- Small‑group programs
- Support with Disability Inclusion (DI) or PSD applications
- IEP and SSG involvement
- I‑Can Network and ND Pride Crew
Students in Out-of-Home Care
- Case management and liaison with carers and caseworkers
- SSG and IEP involvement
Koorie Students
- Support and connection with Nalderun and BDAC
- Cultural Understanding and Safety Training (CUST)
LGBTIQA+ Students
- Gender affirmation support and planning
- Pride Crew
- Safe Schools initiatives
Young Carers
- Assistance with Young Carers bursary
- Referrals and ongoing support
Students with Health Needs
- Individual health and wellbeing plans
- Coordination of the Community Mentor & Tutoring Program