In education, wellbeing is important for two reasons. The first is the recognition that schooling should not just be about academic outcomes but that it is about wellbeing of the ‘whole child’; the second is that students who have higher levels of wellbeing tend to have better cognitive outcomes at school.
We have many initiatives in place at Linden Park Primary School to help support student wellbeing. These include social emotional programs such as “Play is the Way” and “What’s the Buzz.” We have a Student Wellbeing Leader on staff for four days a week.
Student Support Services
Children and young people who need extra help can be referred to the Student Support Services team by their teacher.
Student Support Services include social workers, behaviour support coaches, psychologists, special educators, speech pathologists and provide support to children and teachers in state schools and preschools.
If your child’s teacher feels that your child is having difficulties they may engage with the Student Support Services team regarding these difficulties. Your teacher will discuss this with you and obtain your consent before making a formal request for support for your child. For more information feel free to speak to your class teacher, email the school or click here to visit the Department for Education Web page.
Pastoral Care Worker
In education, wellbeing is important for a number of reasons. One is the recognition that schooling should not just be about academic outcomes but that it is about wellbeing of the ‘whole child’; another is that students who have higher levels of wellbeing tend to have better cognitive outcomes at school.
The Pastoral Care Program is funded through the Australian Government’s National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP), please click here for more information from the Department for Education.
Generally, Pastoral Care Workers support students by:
· developing positive wellbeing and optimism
· developing trust, respect and understanding of others
· building on self-esteem, confidence and communication skills
· working through problems encouraging positive life choices
· modelling and mentoring students with positive relationship development
· supporting the social and emotional wellbeing of students (friendship concerns, grief, conflict resolution, self-regulation, etc.)
· support school engagement of students in learning opportunities
· support the development of community engagement
· participate in and contribute to general school activities
Please click here to view a PCW frequently asked questions fact sheet.
Our New Pastoral Care Worker in 2024 is Phillip Reyes, who will provide support three mornings a week. Phillip is a Disability Support Worker, and is currently studying a Masters in Counselling Practice.
What will the PCW do at Linden Park Primary School?
· Teachers are able to nominate students who they believe are at risk social or emotionally to the PCW or the school Student Well-being Leader. Generally, these students will present with concerns around having worries, anxiety, self-esteem issues or friendship concerns.
· PCW conversations with students will be solutions focused. Primarily PCW’s will provide an environment where students feel safe to talk about any concerns. All PCW’s have current DfE required training and certificates and will share any concerns with our Student Welling-being leader that need to be addressed with parents or to other Leadership staff.
· PCW’s are also aware of using pro-active strategies in developing social skills and to build students resilience.
· An EdSmart permission slip will be sent to all parents as an ‘opt-in’ to give permission to receive support from the PCW should their child need it.
If any parents would like to access PCW support for their child, please speak with your child’s teacher, enquire at the front office or send an email to dl.0647.info@schools.sa.edu.au. The Wellbeing Team will be more than happy to make contact with any parent who wishes to discuss their concerns about their child.
