Student Wellbeing at St Patrick’s
Our Commitment
At St Patrick’s, we believe that a safe, welcoming and supportive environment is the foundation for every child's learning and growth. Wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do.
Our Wellbeing Team
Tania Rowan
Tania specialises in helping students, especially those who are neurodiverse, build essential skills while also helping them understand their neurodiversity or the challenges they may be having. Tania works with our well-being team and teaching staff to ensure students receive appropriate accommodations for a supportive learning environment. In collaboration with educators and families, she fosters an inclusive community that understands and values the complexities of neurodiversity, enabling every student to feel empowered and capable of success.
Jeannette Fraser
Jeannette is a specialist child and educational psychologist with more than twenty years experience working with children and adolescents in school settings and in private practice. She has been the chaplain and psychologist at St. Patrick’s Primary school since 2017 and is committed to providing compassionate support and counselling to students and their parents, and working closely with the well-being team and teaching staff to implement effective behavioural and learning strategies. Jeannette has specific expertise in diagnostic assessments for learning difficulties as well as neurodiverse presentations such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD). Jeannette has a passion for ensuring that the students and staff are provided with practical strategies and support that address their needs in a safe and caring environment, and that students enjoy working with her in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere.
Our Approach to Wellbeing
- School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS): Be Your Best, Be Respectful, Be Safe
- ReLATE: Creating safe, predictable and supportive learning environments
- MHiPS: Mental Health in Primary Schools Initiative – Early support for student mental health
- Rights, Resilience and Respectful Relationships: Building a culture of equality, safety and respect
Student Support Services
- Classroom-based social-emotional learning programs
- Targeted wellbeing groups
- Individual support for students who need extra care with our school chaplain
- Partnerships with external services
Promoting Student Voice
- Wellbeing surveys (including the PAT Social- Emotional Wellbeing Survey)
- SRC (Student Representative Council)
- Leadership opportunities
- Student involvement in shaping wellbeing initiatives
Resources for Families
- School TV – Curated expert mental health and wellbeing advice and resources for St Patrick’s families
- Beyond Blue – Resources for parents and kids
- Raising Children Network – Health and development advice
- Kids Helpline – 24/7 confidential support
- eSafety Commissioner – Online safety information
- headspace Warrnambool – Youth focused mental health advice
- Peaceful Kids – Mindfulness & Positive Psychology
School Wellbeing Events ?
- R U OK? Day activities
- National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence
- Parent Information Nights (e.g., Peaceful Kids, building resilience, managing anxiety)
- Wellbeing Weeks and themed activities throughout the year
- World Kindness Day (November 13) – Kindness challenges, “Secret Kindness Buddies.
- World Mental Health Day (October 10) – Create a “wall of positivity” or mindfulness activities.
- Children’s Week (Late October) – Special focus on rights, wellbeing, and fun.
Need Support?
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s wellbeing, please contact Jess Courtney- email: jcourtney@spcamperdown.catholic.edu.au, phone: 03 5593 1962. We are here to help.