STUDENT WELFARE:
WHO TO SEE ABOUT WHAT

There are many people in high schools that have special duties and interests. When you have a problem of any sort there is probably somebody here who can help you with it.

How the Peer Support Leaders can help you
Each year a friendly, responsible group of trained students assist new students to become familiar with the school. You will be introduced to your leader on your first day of attendance. They are probably the best people to go to first because they have all been through the same daunting experience. They can solve simple problems such as being lost, and can take you to the best person to help you with more serious problems.

How the Peer Mediation Team can help you

If ever you are in conflict with another student in the school, peer mediation can be a means through which the conflict can be settled. Peer Mediation is a process in which students who are specially trained as mediators assist students who are in conflict create an agreement that each of them is happy about and that they feel can help to solve their problems. Teachers can make referrals, or you can make referrals yourself by speaking to your Year Adviser.

How the Prefects and School Captains can help you

These senior students have been chosen by their teachers and peers because they are recognised as the student leaders of the school. They are kind, caring and responsible and will do all they can to make you feel happy and comfortable in your new school. They will help you to overcome any problems you may have.

How Class Teachers and Head Teachers can help you

Of course teachers can give you advice on where to get help for any problems you may have. However, their main focus is in helping you in their specific subject areas. All subject related problems should be taken to your class teacher first of all. If the problem is very serious, your teacher may choose to refer you to the Head Teacher for further help.

How the Year Adviser can help you

Each Year in the school has a special teacher attached to it. If you have any problems, your Year Adviser is very willing to help. You may have difficulties at school, or at home, or with friends. Remember, see your Year Adviser and ask for help. Your Year Adviser will keep it confidential if you wish, and very often can smooth out problems. Remember! Find out where your Adviser’s staff room is and just knock on the door and ask for help.

How the Student Adviser (Girls) can help you

Mrs Allan, the Student Adviser (Girls) plays an important part in the care and welfare of students, particularly girls. There is a close liaison between the Student Adviser (Girls), Year Advisers and School Counsellor. Any parents whose children have particular health or welfare problems should contact the Student Adviser (Girls) as soon as possible, preferably on the day of enrolment. Mrs Allan can be found in the English Staffroom in D Block.

How the Reception Staff can help you

If you have any problems with notes, absences, lateness, or any questions about travel passes, do go and speak to Mrs McInnes at Reception in A Block. She will be able to explain what you need to do. You also need to see Mrs McInnes if you are feeling sick and need to report to the Clinic.

How the School Counsellor can help you

The School Counsellor provides an educational, counselling and psychological service to the students of Pendle Hill High. The School Counsellor is available to help you with:

• emotional difficulties – upset, stress, worry, getting on better with friends, feeling “down”
• behavioural problems – keeping out of trouble, anger management, bullying
• educational difficulties – planning, self organisation

The School Counsellor is in attendance two days during the week and appointments can be made by contacting the Reception Office. What students and their families tell the School Counsellor is usually confidential. The School Counsellor’s office is in A Block. You can leave a note at Reception asking to see the School Counsellor.

How the The Teacher Librarian can help you

Mrs Credaro is our Teacher Librarian (Upstairs in E Block). She is qualilfied as both a Teacher and a Librarian. As well as managing the library and providing access, Mrs Credaro can also help you

• find information to help you with your assignments
• assist you to interpret your assignment questions
• provide both class and individual instruction in researching techniques
• guide you towards recreational reading books most suited to your reading interests

Mrs Credaro is also the school's webmaster. If you would like any particular material or links added to the school's website, please see Mrs Credaro at lunchtimes in the library.

How the The Support Teacher Learning (STL) can help you

Mrs Wilson is our Support Teacher Learning (upstairs in A Block). She provides support in promoting high levels of competence in the areas of numeracy and literacy across all subject areas of the school curriculum. Opportunities for special education assistance are offered to all students of Pendle Hill High School who may require this service.

Depending on each student’s educational needs, the learning environment may include:

• individual educational assistance
• small group (4-6 students)
• whole class education with two teachers in the classroom for more individual educational attention.

How the The ESL Teacher can help you

The teacher of English as a Second Language provides special programs and support for students from a non-English speaking background.

The ESL teacher works closely with the English staff and can be found in the English Staffroom in A Block.

How the Career Adviser can help you

The Career, and School to Work, programs have been designed to help students to be more aware of themselves, the careers and courses available, and the world of work in general. Formal lessons are given on a withdrawal basis during Year 9 and Year 10. All other Years are seen at important times, for example when new to the school, when making subject choices, or preparing for work experience.

Lessons cover awareness of the world of work, investigating employment, deciding how to apply for jobs, preparing for interviews, familiarisation with courses available through TAFE, universities etc.

The Careers Room has been set up to provide basic information for a wide range of jobs and courses. The Careers Room is in A Block. Mrs Consalvo is the Careers Adviser. Students may ask for an interview at any time, and parents are welcome to visit the school on parent / teacher nights or at any convenient time to discuss their children’s future. Please ring the school to make an appointment.

How the Deputy Principal can help you

Mrs Brown’s office is in A Block. As Deputy Principal she is responsible for the curriculum, oversight of faculty areas, general administration, and student welfare. Generally you will be referred to her for problems requiring special attention. She is frequently in contact with your teachers, year advisers and parents. The Deputy Principal may be contacted by your parents at any time about serious problems.

How the Principal can help you

The Principal has total responsibility for everything that happens in the school. She deals with very serious matters that are referred to her. Generally someone you had asked for help will take the matter to her on your behalf. Your parents can arrange to see Mrs Simms at any time concerning your progress or welfare. The Principal’s office is in A Block.