St Kevin’s College is built on a foundation that promotes student wellbeing and a safe and secure learning environment that challenges, encourages and supports all students. Our staff provide a caring and supportive community that enables students to acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible decisions. This focus has only strengthened in 2020 as our students have navigated the range of added challenges this year has brought.
At St Kevin’s College, we continue to ensure our wellbeing programs and support services are evidence-based and aligned with the latest research and expert advice. School-wide initiatives are developed, alongside the Wellbeing Team, to promote good mental health and minimise the stigma associated with mental health difficulties. This includes the implementation of activities on important calendar dates such as R U OK Day and Mental Health Week.
Further information, including resources and support for students and parents concerning mental health and wellbeing, can be found on the College portal via the Student Wellbeing Hub.
The role of the Counsellors
St Kevin’s College is committed to offering care and counsel through the School Counselling Service. The service includes registered Psychologists, who are specialists trained in clinical, educational and developmental psychology.
The College Counsellors offer confidential support and information to students and their parents/guardians. This is generally short-term, individual counselling support delivered in a therapeutic, safe space that is free from judgment.
The College Counsellors are also involved in delivering information sessions for a variety of social and emotional topics to students, teachers and parents. These sessions are designed to supplement the academic curriculum in important areas and facilitate optimal social and emotional development. Students are taught about topics such as mental health, accessing support, sleep, and maintaining a balanced life and good mental health.
What level of support is provided by the College Counsellors?
Generally, counselling is provided on a short-term basis, and the frequency of sessions is largely dependent on the particular needs of each student. Due to the large number of students and families utilising this service, long-term treatment and family therapy are generally beyond our scope. The College Counsellors can facilitate the referral process to, and liaise with, appropriate community health professionals to ensure the students’ needs are met.
How do I contact the College Counsellors?
Glendalough - Parents and Homeroom teachers would discuss a referral before it is passed on to the Director of Glendalough for his consideration.
Heyington and Waterford - Students can email a Counsellor directly, or ask their Tutor, another staff member or parent, to make contact on their behalf.
Current students, please see the Portal page for more information.
Where can I access support outside of school hours?
The school counselling service only operates during regular school days and hours. If you need support outside of these times, the best place to start is by approaching your GP about a Mental Health Care Plan and a referral to a psychologist.
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) has a “find a psychologist” search function, that can be used to locate a psychologist based on geographical location and specialty.
We are also more than happy to provide consults to families about the process of accessing external support.
Additional Services offering counselling and support
Kids Helpline: a free, private and confidential phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25 years old.
1800 55 1800
Beyond Blue: provides support on a range of mental health issues and is available by phone, online via chat or email.
1300 22 4636
eheadspace: free online and telephone support and counselling for young people aged 12 to 25 years old, their families and friends.
1800 650 890