Westall Secondary College is committed to providing a safe, secure and stimulating learning environment.  Students can reach their full educational potential when they are happy, healthy and safe. A positive school culture to engage and support students in their learning has a high priority at Westall Secondary College.   Student wellbeing and student learning outcomes are inextricably linked and the College aims to promote an understanding of this link in both the school environment and in the classroom. 

A number of programs run at the College to ensure that the engagement and wellbeing of the students is well supported. A full time Student Wellbeing Coordinator is employed for student support and case manages the non-educational needs of the students. A mental health practitioner is present at the College two days a week to support students with more complex needs. 

An adolescent School Nurse is also present at the College two days a week and works both with individual students and in the classroom, developing programs associated with personal health and wellbeing. Our adolescent School Nurse’s dog is a certified Therapy Dog and comes in twice a week to offer students emotional support.  

External experts and agencies are engaged to provide the necessary assistance required by students. Experts who regularly provide their services during school hours include a Speech Pathologist, a Psychologist, a Social Worker, Youth Workers, and links with parenting agencies. 

Staff are often engaged in professional development to enhance their own understandings and skills in the area of engagement and wellbeing. “Calmer Classrooms” and “Safe Minds” are some of the programs that are implemented, combining wellbeing and engagement with academic focus. 

Annual events focusing on the wellbeing of students are organized at the College with a broad range of services attending and providing information. 

Examples of such events include the following: 

Health Community Panel 

This is an annual event organised by the Student Services team of the College and supported by various community agencies and services. 

Mental Health Week 

At Westall Secondary College, mental health is promoted throughout the year, including a week-long program filled with various activities to further promote positive mental health.