Counsellors
Our onsite College Counsellors Nannerl O’Connor and Vicki Dewar are a valuable resource for students.
They are an integral part of our Pastoral Care team ensuring our students are able to thrive in a caring and supportive environment.
Pastoral Team
Each year group in the College has a Pastoral Team of staff whose focus is to support the physical and emotional wellbeing of students. For non-academic queries or concerns, these staff members are the best people to contact initially.
Pastoral Care Periods
Homeroom Teachers lead a Pastoral Care Period on Wednesday mornings, when students are guided through skills that will support them in high school, such as social and emotional wellbeing programs, personal organisation and goal setting.
Berry Street Education Model
A suite of trauma-informed, strengths-based strategies for engaging all students with learning.
Teenage Mental Health First Aid
What is Teenage Mental Health First Aid (TMHFA)?
Young people often turn to each other first when they are stressed or upset so it’s important that they have the skills to provide support and help when this happens.
Feedback about TMHFA from our students
Bunbury Catholic College makes it a priority for every student to be offered training in Teenage Mental Health First Aid. Since the program was introduced in 2021, positive feedback has highlighted the value of this program for students.
In the counselling space we have seen first-hand evidence of students putting TMFHA into practice. Here’s what our students are saying about TMHFA:
“I really like it; it helps you understand important things in life.”
“It was good, and I participated more than I usually do because of the stickers.”
“It was fun and it was very nice to learn how to spot signs that your friend is hurting.”
“I enjoyed it because, as I have had a friend (in primary school) that has had mental health problems and learning how to deal with this would have been extremely helpful back then.”
“I wish I learnt this earlier.”
“Don’t be afraid to speak up if something is wrong.”
“It was very easy to follow.”
