Our supportive team in Student Services helps your child achieve the best possible learning outcomes in a safe and caring learning environment.
Student Services comprises of a number of specialist staff who work in partnership with classroom teachers, parents and where necessary support agencies to improve educational outcomes for students and maximise their potential in all aspects of school life. We also promote the school’s REAL values of Respect, Empathy, Achieve and Learn. We want all students to experience the sense of belonging and connection to their school community.
In addition to supporting individual students, our pastoral care program includes a range of specific year group programs that target values and skills including; citizenship, leadership, enhanced self esteem, resiliency and goal setting. We provide opportunities for students to engage with their school and broader community and play a key role in celebrating the endeavours and achievements of our students.
Our programs are also designed to assist students to make the necessary transitions as they move firstly into high school and then from the middle school to the senior school.
Associate Principals
Associate Principals work closely with the Student Advocates on all matters to do with student behaviour, and social and emotional development and provides support for students, staff and parents in relation to the education of all students.
Student Advocates
Student Advocates are here to advocate successful outcomes for all BSHS students, aligned with the Positive Behaviour and Mental Health/Wellbeing focuses of our school. Student Advocates will liaise with staff and parents regarding the academic, social and emotional well-being of students, including engagement and attendance. They are responsible for coordinating assemblies and social events and encourage students to participate in school and community services. They are here to support students at school, so please reach out at any time if you need a little extra help.
Student Services
Student Services is the first port of call for student needs throughout the school day. They can assist students with timetables, basic First Aid and illness, late arrivals and early departures. Students Services is where parents/carers report absentees each day and let the school know of any changes in circumstances. Student Services will refer students to the relevant specialist staff member when needed.
Aboriginal and Islander Education Officers (AIEO)
Aboriginal and Islander Education Officers (AIEO) play an important role in the pastoral care and academic and social development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Their role is to assist teachers with the delivery of planned education programs and encourage a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
AIEO’s act as a liaison between the community and the school to develop education programs relevant to education and cultural needs and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, particularly those at risk, through mentoring and pastoral care to encourage participation and achievement.
School Psychologist
The School Psychologist assists students with their educational, emotional and social needs. The psychologist plays an important role in providing advice to teachers and parents about programs and strategies to support students.
Nurse
The School Nurse is an employee of the health department but works at the school four days a week. Students can seek information, guidance and support about a range of issues that may include: coping with illness, culture or racism issues, healthy eating and nutrition, healthy weight and body image, mental health and well-being, problems at home, relationships, sexual health, smoking, alcohol and drug use and other adolescent health concerns. School health service staff may do health assessments and provide information, advice, referral to CAMHS and other agencies and support for students.
Youth Pathways Coordinator
The Youth Pathways Coordinator provides individual case management, mentoring and support to assist young people with their personal, social and emotional and educational development. Students can access one to one support, participate in group work and clubs run by the Youth Pathways Coordinator and seek assistance for external referrals.
The Youth Pathways Coordinator runs a specialist LGBTQI+ club, as well as the Z Club, a school based service club. Both clubs are open to all students in the school.
A Learning Support Coordinator (LSC)
A Learning Support Coordinator (LSC) works with teachers, parents and students to develop an appropriate course of action to support the needs of students with learning difficulties or disabilities including students with low literacy skills. Students may work with the LSC through one to one withdrawal, small group support or in-class support, depending on the requirements. The LSC works in tandem with teachers to adapt and modify the curriculum to allow students the best opportunity of achieving their potential.
Health and Mental Well-being
Busselton Senior High School is committed to the health and wellbeing of our students. We have partnered with the initiative of Act-Belong-Commit which have the guidelines for promoting positive mental health by providing a simple approach everyone can adopt to become more mentally healthy.
Our Mentally Healthy Schools Program provides a framework to embed Act-Belong-Commit within the classroom, school environment and whole school community to boost the mental health and wellbeing of students and staff and prevent the onset of mental health problems.
The program aims to:
- Encourage young students to adopt mentally healthy behaviours early in life
- Build resiliency so they can cope better with problems and stress
- Reduce stigma around mental illness and increase openness about discussing mental health
- Build the capacity of school staff to create mentally healthy school environments
- Foster partnerships between schools and their communities.
Support Services
| Acute Response Team (ART) |
Provides specialist child and adolescent mental health information, assessment and support for young people and their families.
Phone: 1800 048636
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| Beyond Blue |
Phone and online counselling for those struggling with depression and anxiety.
Phone: 1300 224 636
Website: www.beyondblue.org.au
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| Headspace |
Free and confidential services that helps young people aged 12-25 with mental health support.
Phone: (08) 6164 0680
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| South West Refuge |
Problems within the family including domestic violence, homelessness and child .
Phone: (08) 9791 2894
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| Department of Child Protection |
Provides a range of child safety and family support services to Western Australian individuals, children and their families.
Phone: (08) 9752 5600
Phone: 1800 622258
Website: www.dcp.wa.gov.au
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| Family Helpline |
Confidential telephone counselling and information service for families with relationship difficulties.
Phone: (08) 9223 1111
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