Mental health professionals now fit neatly into the educational schedules of students, an intense focus on mental health and wellbeing now providing for early identification of children who require more concentrated support, socially and emotionally.
Rochester Primary School principal Kate Whitford, who last term took over from long-serving school leader Graeme Hodgens, works closely with her wellbeing co-ordinator Lisa Ross.
Mrs Whitford spent 17 years in senior primary and secondary roles at Kyabram P-12 College and also worked in the smaller school communities of Girgarre and Stanhope.
She said the Rochester school community had impressed her in the short time she had interacted with staff, students and parents.
“It is a really good school community,” she said, explaining that her all encompassing role included working closely with the wellbeing department in delivering a positive social outcome, along with high academic and sporting achievement.
Since the turn of the century there has been an enormous upswing in the focus of mental health in schools, and the wider community, which Mrs Whitford said was reflected in her own school.
"The onset of COVID has seen a huge need for support. That is the role Lisa plays in our school,“ she said.
“She was in a classroom prior to taking on this role. We are extremely lucky to have her as not all schools have a wellbeing co-ordinator.”
Ms Ross spends four days a week working with students in the wellbeing space, talking through issues with a goal of providing a sense of belonging in the school community.
Mrs Whitford said the wellbeing role called for proactive and reactive measures, which made it an ever-evolving program.
