Student Wellbeing
Newcomb Secondary College is dedicated to providing cohesive, inclusive, and holistic care which aims to re-engage students in their learning, connect students with the appropriate supports and services, and to equip students with the resources required to manage school and social demands.
Here at Newcomb Secondary College, we are working towards creating a school culture that fosters resilience, respect, and empathy.
To support this, Newcomb Secondary College has an experienced multidisciplinary Student Wellbeing Team, Team Leaders, and Student Support Staff across each of the year levels. Newcomb also provides a Flexible Learning and Guidance Program (FLAG) for students that provides extra support and a more relaxed learning environment to help support those students needing more modified support with their learning.
There are many different ways that the Student Wellbeing and Engagement Team can support students and their families. Some of these include:
- Individual support to students regarding general issues such as family breakdown, mental health, friendship issues, bullying, grief, and family illness.
- Group work programs for Students.
- Information and supported referrals for students and families to local support agencies and specialists counselling services.
- Performances for whole year levels on Wellbeing topics such as Cyber Safety.
- Support with the SRC and student Voice.
- Year 6 Transition Groups for students who are concerned about the transition to secondary school.
- Whole school events including awareness raising eg: R U Ok Day.
- Assistance with the purchasing of resources such as textbooks and uniform.
Furthermore, Newcomb Secondary College is also a pilot school for the Doctor In Secondary Schools program in conjunction with Bellarine Community Health and students have access to a GP Bulk billed on Thursday mornings at the College. We also have teamed with Vic Legal Aid and students and their parents have access to free legal information on Fridays at the College via appointment.
It is important to us that we work with students and families to best support them to access the most appropriate health supports to ensure they can be ready to engage in their teaching and learning, so please do not hesitate in contacting the school if you would like to discuss any aspects of our program.
Holiday Support Programs
Geelong Youth Hub Calendar.pdf
20 - Support your young person during the holidays (1).pdf
Geelong Support for School Holidays.pdf
OUR TEAM
Chiara Ercoli, (Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Arts Majoring in Psychology & Advanced Diploma in Professional Counselling)
Years 7-12
Available Monday PM, Tuesday AM, Wednesday, and Thursday
Email: ercoli.chiara.m@edumail.vic.gov.au
Chiara coordinates the Newcomb Secondary College Wellbeing and Engagement Team and predominantly receives referrals and allocates students to access the most appropriate member of the Wellbeing Team, whether that be a support worker within the team, the Doctor in School or the Lawyer in School (two programs that also coexist within the Newcomb Wellbeing Hub).Referrals can be made via student self-referral, a parent or a teacher. As well as allocation of students based on needs, Chiara facilitates the Student Representative Council and works towards assisting the Respect and Equity work the College is continually implementing.
Daryl Farnham (Community Services)
Years 7-12 - Flexible Learning and Guidance Program
Available Monday to Friday
Email: farnham.daryl.d@edumail.vic.gov.au
Daryl supports students involved in the Flexible Learning and Guidance Program. Daryl mentors and supports students in their engagement with education. Daryl also plays a key role in the development and implementation of wellbeing frameworks under Respect and Equity within the school.
Jane Osborne (Bachelor of Social Work)
Years 7-12
Available Monday to Friday
Email: osborne.jane.a@edumail.vic.gov.au
Jane is the newest team member of the Newcomb Secondary Wellbeing Team. Jane supports students with issues occurring at school as well as challenges outside of school such as accommodation, transport and finances. Jane provides counselling, case management, advocacy, referrals and information. Jane also plays a key role in supporting students who are residing in Out-of-Home-Care.
Joe Lewis (Bachelor of Social Work)
Year 7 and 8
Available Monday to Friday
Email: Lewis.Joseph.P@edumail.vic.gov.au
Joe supports students in the transition to Year Seven. Joe supports students within the classroom as well as provides one on one support to students outside of the classroom. Joe provides general support and assistance, and liaises with agency staff.
Amanda Davis (Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Arts, Graduate Certificate of Child and Family Practice)
Years 7-10
Available Thursday and Friday
Email: davis.amanda.l@edumail.vic.gov.au
Amanda has predominantly worked in education during her social work career, as she is passionate about the role that education plays in one’s life trajectory. Through an empathetic approach, Amanda supports students to build upon their strengths to enhance their wellbeing. Amanda is our Mental Health Care Practioner and provides counselling, case management, advocacy, referrals and information.
Amanda Patterson (Bachelor of Nursing)
Years 7-12
Available Wednesdays and Thursdays
Email: patterson.amanda.s@edumail.vic.gov.au
Amanda is a registered nurse who provides health promotion within the school. Amanda runs groups, provides general wellbeing support, and manages the health needs of the school community.
Jenny Irwin (College Chaplain)
Years 7-12
Available Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Email: Koenig.Abbie.R@edumail.vic.gov.au
Jenny is the school Chaplain who provides pastoral care to students for issues including friendships, family, and anxiety, and supports them to develop new coping skills.
Rhi Shakeshaft (CURRENTLY ON LEAVE)
[BA (GrDes)(Hons); Grad Dip (Psych); BA (Psych)(Hons); MPsych (Clin); MAPS]
Rhi is a registered psychologist and is working as Student Wellbeing and Support within the Student Wellbeing and Engagement Team. Rhi has a particular interest in working with adolescents and the systems they are a part of, including families and schools. She takes a strengths based approach aimed at enhancing an individual’s ability to cope.