Student Wellbeing and Support

Aitken College recognizes that when young people’s mental health and wellbeing are prioritised, students are more likely to thrive personally, socially and academically, allowing them to achieve better life outcomes. This is why our College aims to provide an environment where our students’ unique needs are supported and students feel connected to their school environment.

The Student Wellbeing Team

As part of Aitken College’s commitment to student wellbeing, the College employs a Psychologist/Social Worker and three Counsellors, who together make up the Student Wellbeing Team (SWT). In addition to this, university students completing studies in fields such as Art Therapy, Psychology, Social Work and Youth Work regularly undertake their placements at Aitken, which allows the SWT to offer unique and diverse approaches to student wellbeing.

The SWT offer a range of services, which include:

• Short-term individual counselling for students
• Peer mediation
• Small group intervention
• Transition support through significant changes
• Consultation and support for teachers in helping students reach their full potential
• Consultation with parents regarding social, emotional, behavioural and learning concerns
• Referral to external support services and specialist treatment options
• Policy development

The SWT is also engaged in a range of wellbeing initiatives such as:

• The Wellbeing Garden, which is a nature therapy project involving junior and secondary students
• Structured lunchtime activities
• Wellbeing sessions focusing on relevant mental health and wellbeing topics
• The Chill Out Room, which is a space that students can visit when they need some time to self-regulate
• Celebrating awareness days (e.g. R U OK? Day, World Kindness Day, etc.)