A message from our School Counsellor
One of our core goals at Punchbowl Boys' High School is to ensure the wellbeing and development of each student at school. The school's wellbeing framework aims to promote a holistic approach to developing each student academically and socially to build and develop as a person.
It is common for students to have social difficulties, mental health concerns, stress, life change and other issues of adjustment. The school counselling service goal is to support students who may be presenting with difficulties or challenges in the school environment. Building resilience and self-confidence are core goals of supporting students.
Students can be referred to the school counselling service by parent request for support or referral by the principal, executive or year advisor.
The service provided at school:
· Confidential counselling service
· Student assessment for issues of learning and behaviour
· Liaison with teachers in regards to issues of student difficulty
· Close collaboration with the Learning Support Team
· Liaison with external providers such as paediatricians, doctors and other health professionals to co-ordinate support
· Providing assistance to the careers advisor and students regarding any relevant transition to work eligibility programs
Students change in need and development over the course of their school experience.
Should a parent become concerned about their child for issues of stress, peer issues, life stress, medical or other issues they should contact the school to enable the school to organise appropriate supports where possible.
General Support Numbers
The numbers below are community resources. Families and individuals should consult with their local doctor to discuss issues of mental health and support.
· Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or at https://kidshelpline.com.au/ (24/7)
· Reachout at https://au.reachout.com/
· Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36
· Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24/7)
· NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511
· Domestic Violence Line 1800 65 64 63
For Parents: Useful Links for Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
1. UNICEF. (2020). How to Talk to Your Children about Coronavirus (COVID-19). Retrieved 5 May 2020 from https://www.unicef.org.au/blog/news-and-insights/march-2020/how-to-talk-to-your-children-about-coronavirus
2. Black Dog Institute. (2020). Talking to Your Children about the Coronavirus. Retrieved 5 May 2020 from https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/education-training/community-and-schools/covid-19-webinars
3. Australian Government Department of Health. (2020). Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information. Retrieved 5 May 2020 from https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
4. NSW Health. (2020). COVID-19. Retrieved 5 May 2020 from https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
5. NSW Government. (2020). Taking Care of Your Mental Health. Retrieved 5 May 2020 from https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/mental-health-and-safe
