Student wellbeing
Student wellbeing is the key to future success. Our student wellbeing philosophy reflects our school’s vision of creating confident, competitive and compassionate citizens.
Care structure
Students at Pioneer State High School are placed in a Care Class that belongs to one of four Island teams. They will be a part of this Care Class and Island team for their entire high school life at Pioneer. Their Care teacher will remain their Care teacher throughout their high school life. Maintaining a constant person they can go to with issues and questions and also a constant contact for their parents.
To aid their transition into Junior Secondary from primary school are our Care councillors. These are year 12s that are linked with year 7 Care classes. They visit the Care classes 3 times a week offering support advice and a friend in the senior school.
The Resilience Project
The Resilience Project is a scheduled lesson every week for all students, where student wellbeing is the focus.
The lesson occurs in the Care Class with their Care teacher. Topics for The Resilience Project include: Safety and Belonging, Dealing with Conflict, Socializing and Self and Social management. Programs used include High Talk and Beyond Blue.
All wellbeing lessons are based around age appropriate concepts that will be positively taught throughout the five years.
Island coordinators
Island Coordinators have a vital role in student wellbeing and student expectations at Pioneer State High School. These teachers monitor, manage and support the students in their year levels.
Their role includes:
Liaising with parents, GO, CEC, SBPO, Chaplain, School Based Youth Health Nurse regarding student performance, behaviour, welfare concerns - issue interim reports if necessary.
Conducting regular year level parades – making sure their year level understands what is happening in the Pioneer Community and what opportunities are happening currently, and celebrating success of their students on these parades.
Organise / co-ordinate / develop year level activities / programs - e.g. camps, awards ceremonies and systems, leadership programs et al.
Support Care Teachers and assist with year level pastoral care and discipline to foster student responsibility, trust, co-operation and respect within the school community.
Island Coordinators are :
BRAMPTON
| Matt Hungerford
|
CARLISLE
| Emma Campbell |
KESWICK
| Will Aplin |
ST BEES
| Laura Bugeja
|
Monitor
Student absenteeism, lateness and uniform standards - and liaise with Care teachers who have primary responsibility for these
Blue behaviour cards and facilitate promotions / demotions.
Chaplain
Talia Fiyen is our School Chaplain. A School Chaplain is a safe person for young people to connect with at school and provides a listening ear, caring presence, and a message of hope. Chaplains run positive, fun activities for students and assist in fostering supportive, caring school communities.
Working with other members of the school’s support team, the Chaplain cares for students struggling with issues such as difficult relationships with other children or family members, poor self-esteem, family breakdown, and depression.
The partnership between the school and the Chaplaincy Service, supported by local churches, businesses and community organisations, provides a network of local support and assistance. These positive relationships help young people to face difficult issues, and provide hope, connection, meaning, and purpose.
The Chaplaincy service is available to everyone in the school community regardless of their religious beliefs.
The effectiveness of our Chaplaincy service at Pioneer High is directly influenced by community support. Chaplain positions in schools are half funded by community donations. Please consider partnering with our Chaplain, Talia Fiyen, by making a donation to ensure this essential service can continue at Pioneer.
Community education counsellor
Jessica Davidson is our Community Education Counsellor. Hewr role is to support students, parents and teachers regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education. This position is an important part of our Student Support services. This position is responsible for:
Managing our indigenous students, attendance, welfare, participation and celebrating success.
Communicating with parents and community.
Promoting and organising indigenous events.
Monitoring our indigenous student’s wellbeing and supporting them with programs and encouragement and pushing them to achieve.
Goal setting.
Mediation/ conflict resolution and Individual Counselling.
Jess’s office is situated in the P Block. She is available Monday to Friday 8.00 am - 4.00 pm. Please call (07) 4955 9202 for an appointment.
School nurse
The School Based Youth Health Nurse role in the school is to promote health and wellbeing, create a supportive healthy school environment and connect people with other support services.
I work with young people, school staff and parents/carers/families.
Health is defined as not just the absence of disease or sickness, but a dynamic state of complete physical, mental, spiritual and social wellbeing.
The School Based Youth Health Nurse can provide health and wellbeing information about:
Feeling unhappy or stressed.
Relationships.
Healthy eating and physical activity.
Healthy skin.
Sexual health.
Smoking, alcohol and other drugs.
Personal and family problems.
Growth and development.
I am available Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Megan Webster
Guidance officer
As a Guidance Officer, I shall be working with staff, students, families and other community agencies to improve access to teaching and learning and future career pathways. A student gains access to a guidance officer through self-referral (the student makes contact); parental contact or by referral through Students Support Services. You may make an appointment to see a guidance officer by using appointment slips outside my office. I can also be contacted on (07) 4959 9205.
Guidance officers use skills such as:
Assisting with planning students’ support programs (learning, emotional support and behaviour).
Assisting students and parents/carers with multiple issues.
Counselling.
Assessments.
Career Counselling.
Nikki Butler