Epping Secondary College promotes resilience through creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment that promotes wellbeing and fosters growth.
At Epping Secondary College wellbeing is the forefront of everything we seek to achieve. We believe that wellbeing is important to ensure that students learn effectively. As such we provide a supportive, safe, inclusive and engaging environment which seeks to assist students to flourish academically, socially and emotionally.
Epping Secondary College Wellbeing Team
Our dedicated Wellbeing Team provides counselling, programs, case management, whole year level and entire school events designed to cater to the diverse needs of students and to create a sense of belonging to the school community.
The Wellbeing Team is comprised of dedicated professionals committed to providing comprehensive support to our students. These roles include:
Wellbeing Team Leading Teacher: Leading and coordinating the Wellbeing Team and services across the school.
Mental Health Practitioner: Providing crucial counselling support to students dealing with mental health challenges and facilitating small group programs.
Wellbeing Social Worker: Offering counselling and support services to students facing various social and emotional difficulties.
School Psychologist: Providing essential psychological support and guidance to students as needed.
International Student Coordinator and Multicultural Social Worker: Supporting our diverse population of International Students and fostering a sense of belonging within the school community.
Referrals
To facilitate a referral to our wellbeing program please contact your young person’s coordination team or our Leading Teacher of Wellbeing.
You will be asked some basic information about your young person and their current circumstances.
Current Programs
At Epping Secondary College, we believe in the power of consistent engagement and support. Our Fortnightly and Weekly Programs are designed to provide regular opportunities for students to connect, engage, and grow. These programs include:
Koorie Program: A program tailored to support the academic and cultural needs of our Indigenous students.
Pasifika Program: Dedicated to supporting students from Pasifika communities, celebrating their heritage while fostering engagement with school.
Rainbow Group: A safe space for LGBTQ+ students and allies to find support, build community, and promote inclusivity.
Connect Group: A safe space for students to build meaningful connections, foster friendships, and enhance social skills.
Alongside these groups there are several needs-based groups which address the additional challenges students may face. These may include:
Chin Up Program: Focused on empowering students to build resilience and manage challenges effectively.
Big Sister/Man Cave: Mentorship programs aimed at fostering positive role models and providing guidance.
Boys to Heart: Promoting emotional intelligence and healthy expressions of masculinity.
Empower: Empowering students with essential life skills and fostering a sense of self-worth and confidence.
Arabic Girls and Boys Groups: Culturally sensitive programs tailored to support the specific needs of Arabic-speaking students.
Raise Mentoring Program: Providing mentorship to students, encouraging personal and academic growth.
Ready for learning Programs
Recognising the diverse learning needs of our students, we offer specialised programs which cater to these needs these include:
Learning Support Program: Providing a smaller environment for students that at times struggle in a large classroom. The purpose of this program is to support students in re-engaging more productively in the classroom.
Hands-on Learning: Providing practical, hands-on experiences to enhance learning and develop practical skills.
Quicksmart: Offering additional support in literacy and numeracy to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive academically.
Safe and Inclusive Environment
Epping Secondary College is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students. We are committed to:
- Child safe standards: Epping Secondary College is committed to implementing the 11 child safe standards as set by the State Government of Victoria and the Department of Education of Victoria.
- Working Towards becoming an eSafety school: Ensuring a sucure online environment for student to learn and explore.
- Promoting a safe school environment: zero-tolerance for bullying and discrimination, ensuring every student feels secure and valued
- Celebrating Diversity in all forms: Embracing the rich culture tapestry within our school community, fostering respect and understanding for all.
Community Engagement
Here at Epping Secondary we also place an emphasis on collaborating with external service in a bid to achieve the best outcomes for our young people. Some of our key networks include:
- Innovating Youth Centre
- Whittlesea Community Connections
- Food Bank
- Headspace
- Each
- Reconnecting Uniting
Additional Supports
KIDS HELPLINE
1800 55 1800 or Web chat
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
To talk to someone about anything going on in your life
LIFELINE
13 11 14 or Web chat
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
For support and advice in a personal crisis
Headspace
1800 650 890 or www.eheadspace.org.au
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Support if you are going through a tough time
Suicideline
1300 651 251
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Support if you, or someone you know, is feeling suicidal
Northern Crisis Assessment & Treatment Team (CAT)
1300 650 295
Mental Health Advice Line
1300 280 737
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre
1800 015 188
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
In Touch Inc, Immigrant Women’s Centre Against Family Violence
Services, programs and responses to issues of family violence in CALD Communities
1800 755 988
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Northern Family & Domestic Violence Service Berry Street
Berry Street – Provides a range of services for those experiencing family violence.
9450 4700
Kildonan UnitingCare
Family violence intervention programs, support and financial counselling
9471 0100