Student wellbeing is a professional support service provided to the whole school community. This consists of, but not limited to; one-on-one counselling, working with families, teaching staff, support staff and outside agencies to provide the best possible outcomes for students and staff.
How to access Wellbeing: Students can access Wellbeing by making an appointment with a member of the Wellbeing team, in person during recess and/or lunchtime. Staff can refer students who they have concerns for, and parents can call and request an appointment for their young person. Students can book a doctor’s appointment via compass.
Wellbeing can support students with:
Other Supports Wellbeing can provide students:
Relevant External Resources available in the Community
Emily Herbstreit: Wellbeing Leader
As the Wellbeing team leader and main contact for external support services in our Doctors in schools, Headspace and Youth In-search. In my leadership position, I actively support our whole school to achieve the School Strategies Plan through several key improvement strategies. I implement the School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) and Respectful Relationships along with Assistant Principal to embed and strengthen the SWPBS framework and the Respectful Relationships initiative across the college. I provide individual counselling to students and facilitate initiatives and programs aimed at improving student wellbeing and attitudes towards school. I have been a member of the wellbeing team since 2010 with a short secondment to DET in the Respectful Relationships Liaison Officer role. I am a registered teacher and enjoy working with staff to promote health and wellbeing within the classroom.
Available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Karen Tenkate: Student Counsellor
I provide individual counselling to students and provide complex interventions for students and their wellbeing concerns. I develop and implement proactive programs to promote positive wellbeing and to enhance our students’ sense of belonging and connectedness to Maffra Secondary College.
For most of my working life I have had the privilege of championing the next generation from the sideline in a range of different settings, from working with our communities most vulnerable young people through to working with our countries emerging young athletes. It is my belief that every young person be afforded the opportunity to be the best version of themselves, to know their strengths, and strive for their highest potential.”
Dylan O’Shanassy: Koorie Liaison Officer
I provide one on one support to our Koorie students, this can include social, emotion and academic support within the classroom and external to the classroom. I assist staff with planning and implementing indigenous curriculum. I facilitate group sessions and projects with our indigenous students where we explore more in-depth topics to learn and celebrate our culture, to make our indigenous students more confident about their culture and themselves.
Being a part of the wellbeing team enables me to work with non-indigenous students in a mentor role. I conduct a year 9 boys group that focuses on team work, resilience and breaking the stigma that it’s ok for boys to talk. These groups run for 6 sessions and conclude with a full day mountain bike ride. I coordinate our mentor program that consists of volunteers from our outer community with life experience who work with some of our students one on one support.
Available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Natasha Duffell: Secondary School Nurse
I promote all things health! I aim to expand and encourage healthy eating and feel-good foods to promote physical health. To maintain, improve and create safe and sustainable spaces for students to socially connect with each other. I communicate with third parties to expand on health awareness and activities, such as the school dental van, SunSmart initiatives, sexual health – this includes access to menstrual products. I counsel students individually, while encouraging a whole school approach to promote health and wellbeing.
Available Monday, Wednesday and every second Tuesday
Belinda Stuart: Student Counsellor
As a student counsellor I primarily provide one-on-one counselling to students, to partner with them to improve their educational experience and overall wellbeing. I see students for a range of different reasons: mental health, family issues, peer group difficulties, support in the classroom, resilience/assertiveness training, emotional and social support. I work with students to move towards their goals, I often communicate with families to ensure we are all on the same page, which provides better outcomes for the young person as we all work together. I also run small groups as needed throughout the year, these groups can target a particular need that has been identified within the school. I am privileged to be able to do the work that I do with students and love being able to support them to improve both their educational and overall wellbeing goals.
Available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Headspace: Enhancing Mental Health in Schools – Regional Phone Counselling Service
Headspace Regional Phone Counselling Service provides mental health support to secondary students at MSC. Students can step away from class and speak to a headspace counsellor over the phone, or via video call, in a safe and confidential place.
Jarrah Parr- Youth Insearch
Youth Insearch is accessible to youth aged between 14 – 20 and is young people helping young people to turn their disadvantages into advantages. Youth who are referred have the opportunity to engage in Youth Insearch programs including: foundations workshop, weekly support groups, virtual support groups, weekend workshops, case management, individualized care and a leadership program.
Jarrah is available at Maffra Secondary College on Monday and Tuesday.
Doctors in Secondary School Program
Our GPs provide students with the same services as those of any GP in the community, including management of physical health, mental health, and sexual and reproductive health issues. There are no out-of-pocket expenses for the students or families to see the GP. We have a purpose-built clinic onsite for students to access.
Dr David Vu
Hi, I’m Dr David Vu. I’m a doctor who’s really passionate about helping kids, teenagers, and young adults—especially those living outside big cities. People say I’m friendly and easy to talk to, and I always try to make sure everyone who comes in feels welcome and comfortable. I believe in giving you clear, science-backed advice and helping you make smart choices about your health. I’m especially committed to supporting young people who might find it tough to get the help they need, making sure they get the right care.
Dr Arianne Magtibay
Hello everyone, I am Dr Arianne Magtibay. I care deeply about supporting youth health, being welcoming to everyone, and showing compassion always. Outside my medical practice, I immerse myself in science fiction and fantasy media, video games and relaxing with fishing. I am here to provide you with honest, evidence-based options so you can make the best decisions for your health and well-being – supporting your growth during this important period of your life.
Dr appointments are available on a Wednesday
