Supporting Every Student to Flourish: A New Chapter in Wellbeing at Aitken College

Written by Ms Natasha Rae (Director of Wellbeing)

17 July 2026

I am delighted to be joining Aitken College as the new Director of Wellbeing and to become part of a community that places such strong value on the growth, development and care of its students.

Wellbeing is more than simply feeling happy or managing challenges when they arise. It is the ongoing capacity to feel safe, connected, valued and supported, while developing the skills, relationships and sense of purpose needed to navigate life. In a school setting, wellbeing creates the foundation that allows students to learn, build meaningful relationships, respond to challenges and become confident contributors to their communities.

My role will serve two interconnected areas of the College. The first is counselling and responsive student support, working alongside Kira and Nick to ensure students have access to compassionate, timely and professional care when they are experiencing difficulties. The second is preventative and proactive wellbeing work across the College, collaborating with a wonderful team of people to strengthen belonging, resilience, emotional literacy, help-seeking, positive relationships and healthy school culture.

I bring more than 30 years of experience working with children and young people in schools, community settings and private practice. My background includes studies in theology, psychological science and a Master of Applied Positive Psychology and educational leadership. Throughout my career, I have led whole-school wellbeing programs, supported students and families, developed staff capability, responded to critical incidents and helped schools create systems that support both individual and collective flourishing.

At the heart of my work is a simple belief: every student can be their best in the world, for their world. However, young people do not reach their potential alone. It takes caring and committed adults working together around them.

It takes parents, carers and family members who know and love them. It takes classroom teachers who notice changes, celebrate progress and create safe learning environments. It takes learning support staff, counsellors, psychologists, wellbeing practitioners, chaplains, year-level leaders, educational support staff, coaches, administration teams and College leaders. It also takes trusted community professionals and external services when additional support is needed.

When these adults communicate, collaborate and hold a shared belief in a young person’s capacity, students are more likely to feel that they belong, that they matter and that their future holds possibility.

I look forward to listening, learning and working alongside the Aitken College community as we continue to build a culture in which every student is known, supported and empowered to flourish.