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.
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.
- Peer support team of year 10 students who support year 7 students.
- 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. Two days a week there is a health promotion nurse at the College who promotes health issues within the school and is also available to provide support to students with any health concerns. 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.
OUR TEAM
Jane Osborne
Coordinator of Student Wellbeing and Engagement
(Bachelor of Social Work)
Available: Monday to Friday
Email: jane.osborne@education.vic.gov.au
Felicity Dewar
Student Wellbeing and Engagement
(Bachelor of Social Work)
Available: Tuesday to Friday
Email: felicity.dewar@education.vic.gov.au
Ericka Felice
Student Wellbeing and Engagement
(Bachelor of Psychological Studies)
Available: Monday to Friday
Email: ericka.felice@education.vic.gov.au
Torrie Pugliese
Student Wellbeing and Engagement (NET Program)
(Certificate IV Youth Work)
Available: Monday to Friday
Email: torrie.pugliese@education.vic.gov.au
Amanda Davis
Mental Health Practitioner
(Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Arts, Graduate Certificate of Child and Family Practice)
Available: Thursday and Friday
Email: amanda.davis4@education.vic.gov.au
Amanda Patterson
School Nurse
(Bachelor of Nursing)
Available: Wednesdays and Thursdays
Email: amanda.patterson@education.vic.gov.au
Jenny Irwin
College Chaplain
Available: Mondays and Wednesdays
Email: jenny.irwin@education.vic.gov.au