Avila College aims to foster a sense of belonging and connectedness within the school community and actively monitors and develops students’ social and emotional wellbeing

Network of Support

An established and comprehensive network is in place to ensure that each student feels supported as they grow and develop through their secondary school years. It embraces all aspects of student life including their academic, emotional, physical, spiritual and social wellbeing. A strong partnership between home and school is also encouraged through regular, open and transparent communication.

Year 10 Peer Helpers

The Year 10 Peer Helpers act as Homeroom buddies to the Year 7 students, assisting with the transition to secondary school and offering assistance and support. All Peer Helpers undergo training to learn the skills necessary to be effective communicators and problem solvers. They also organise lunchtime activities to support inclusiveness, school spirit and community mindedness.

Wellbeing Team

Homeroom Teachers interact with students daily and are the first point of contact for student wellbeing. The Year Level Co-ordinator (YLC) oversees the pastoral care of the year level. The Director of Student Wellbeing is involved in the day to day pastoral care of students and leads other student initiatives such as leadership programs.

The Health Centre

The Health Centre is staffed by a First Aid Officer and is open from 8.00am – 4.00pm on school days. The First Aid Officer is supported by staff who have accreditation in senior first aid, anaphylaxis and asthma management.

If a student has Anaphylaxis, Allergies, Asthma, Diabetes, Epilepsy or other significant health issue, a Health Care plan needs to be completed by their doctor and updated annually. It is of utmost importance that action plans are completed and submitted to the Health Centre before the start of school.

Counselling Team

Avila College has a Counselling team on campus who are available for support and individual appointments.

Avila College Counsellors are able to guide students through matters such as friendship challenges, family changes, loss and grief, anxiety and general wellbeing concerns. Students can access a Counsellor via their Homeroom Teacher, Subject Teachers, Year Level Coordinator or they can self refer.

Monash Council Immunisation Nurses conduct the vaccination program at Avila College (in accordance with the National Immunisation Program). Year 7 students have two visits:

• Two doses of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV)
• A single dose of Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (Boostrix)

Year 10 students have one visit:

• A single dose of Meningococcal ACWY (Menactra)

Wellbeing for Learning

The Wellbeing for Learning Program provides students with integrated pastoral care and activities to enhance their wellbeing and develop personal and social capabilities. It aims to promote the flourishing and thriving of the whole person. The program encapsulates the belief that young people have the capacity to reach their full potential when their wellbeing is nurtured in an environment which is faith-filled, safe, inclusive and respectful.

In Year 7, students learn about:

• Connectedness
• Goal Setting
• The relationship between thoughts and feelings
• Resilience
• Stress management
• Building healthy relationships
• Positive psychology
• Working in teams
• Conflict resolution
• Compassion
• Respecting themselves and others