Mackay West State School offers support to children and parents in various ways.
KidsMatter
Mackay West has become a "KidsMatter" school. KidsMatter Primary is a national mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention initiative aimed at primary school-aged students. It recognises the fundamental importance of stuent's mental health to their learning and wellbeing and is based on a comprehensive model, with a whole-school approach to addressing children's mental health. KidsMatter is divided into four components:
- A positive school community
- Social and Emotional learning
- Parenting support and education
- Early intervention for students experiencing mental health difficulties
Guidance Officers
Guidance officers are specialist teachers who deliver a broad range of services to school community members. They contribute to the development of a comprehensive student support and wellbeing program that is responsive to the needs of the school community.
Guidance officers may work directly with students in addition to working with a student's teachers, school support personnel, family, other specialists or external support providers.
Support offered by guidance officers includes providing advice and counselling on educational, behavioural, vocational, personal, social, family, and mental health and wellbeing issues.
Psychoeducational assessments and career development also form an important part of the work guidance officers undertake to enhance positive educational outcomes and career pathways for all students.
Guidance officers provide leadership, support and case management in responding to some of the most complex and challenging of circumstances including student protection matters, critical incidents, mental health issues, and suicide prevention and postvention support.
Guidance officers require a diverse range of skills and knowledge and an ability to form strong and productive relationships with key stakeholders in order to develop and implement plans and programs that are responsive to the needs of students.
Chaplaincy
Chaplaincy support in 2021
Students typically do not learn alone but rather in collaboration with their teachers, in the company of their peers, and with the encouragement of their families. Emotions can facilitate or impede children’s academic engagement, work ethic, commitment, and ultimate school success. Because relationships and emotional processes affect how and what we learn, schools and families must effectively address these aspects of the educational process for the benefit of all students. (Elias et al., 1997).
Why is Social / Emotional Resilience Important?
Self-regulation, the ability to attend, and persistence are predictors of achievement.
(Cross & Conn-Powers, 2011)
Children that have learnt empathy, emotional and social competence show significantly less behavioural problems at school, even if they are in adverse life circumstances. (Caprara et al., 2000)
Scripture Union QLD Chaplains, or ‘chappies’, provide spiritual and emotional support to school communities. Their role is prevention and support: helping students find a better way to deal with issues ranging from family breakdown and loneliness, friendship issues and bullying, depression and anxiety. School Chaplains are trusted and trained individuals who can help students navigate the pitfalls of life and keep focused on educational outcomes. They provide a listening ear and a caring presence for children and young people in crisis, and those who just need a friend. They also provide support for staff and parents in school communities.
Currently:
More than 67% of Queensland State Schools have a Chappy.
SU QLD has placed chappies in 63% of all Queensland state primary schools and in 88% of all Queensland state high schools.
Currently, chappies are supporting more than 400,000 Queensland students.
Our school Chaplain; Mr Phil Hall will continue to be at MWSS on Thursday and Fridays. Chappy works closely with the Deputy Principal senior, and the Student Wellbeing teacher Miss Kimberley Lothian. Students who may require assistance, or who may benefit from long term Chaplaincy support are referred. Chappy may talk with these children during class time or at lunch breaks in the student wellbeing hub (near the Admin building).
If ongoing support is recommended, parent permission will be sought. Parents may decline Chaplaincy support at any time.
Chappy Phil can be contacted directly: phall43@eq.edu.au