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Support Options

The rigorous life of a student can, at times, be highly stressful and difficult. We are committed to helping every student through any issues they may be facing, offering a wide array of support services and help. Student mental health and wellbeing is as important to us as anything else.

College Support

Counselling

Students may experience a wide range of behavioural, emotional, social and psychological challenges. These may include low mood, anxiety, friendship or family difficulties, relationship issues, bullying, traumatic events, or self-worth and identity issues.

St Francis Xavier College provides professional short-term student counselling. The counselling service operates with strict confidentiality parameters while allowing our counsellors to act protectively if there is a risk to the safety of a student or another person.

Counselling is voluntary and students who would like to request a counselling session can email the counselling team directly at makeappointment@sfx.vic.edu.au or request another staff member to refer them.

Pastoral Care

Within a College environment, there will be students who have a wide range of experiences which may impact their learning and provide extra challenge to their day to day activities. Some examples of these experiences include illness or death of a loved one, personal illness, financial or social challenge, and more.

St Francis Xavier College provides pastoral care support via a team of Pastoral Care and Cultural Liaison staff who work to support families to access community services that meet their needs. St Francis Xavier College is committed to providing an environment where all families have access to the support and resources they require in times of challenge.

Families who would like to request pastoral care support can contact the College.

Student Health

Within a College environment, students may experience a wide range of physical health conditions that require support. This includes, but is not limited to, responsive support for accident, injury, illness, as well as support structures to maintain medically prescribed treatment that is required during the school day.

St Francis Xavier College provides short-term first aid and support for ongoing physical health so that students can access their learning at the College.

Students who require support can visit the Student Health Office. Families can contact the Office for any questions about their child’s medical or health details.

Community Support Services

There are numerous community organisations which operate independently from the College to support the health and wellbeing of young people and their families. The College recognises the importance of working alongside such organisations and promoting awareness of community support for families.

If you require urgent support, please call 000.

Beyond Blue – Provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live. Services are available via phone and online.

Headspace – Helps young people to learn about mental health, or to get in-touch with someone who can help them if they need support. Services are available via phone, online or in person.

HeadtoHelp – When a person calls HeadtoHelp, an experienced mental health professional will listen and work with them to find the best ways to get the help they need. Services are available via phone, online or in person at local hubs (Officer and Berwick).

Lifeline – Provides all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Services are available via phone and online.

Heart Chat – Mental Health Services for multicultural communities. You can search for a service that speaks your language and understands your culture. The website provides information in your preferred language, with the option to watch, listen or read.

Parent line – A state-wide telephone counselling and support service for all Victorian parents and carers of children from 0 – 18 years. Experienced social workers, psychologists and family therapists can give you counselling and information around a wide range of parenting issues. Services are available via phone and online.

Reach Out – An internet service for young people that provides information, support and resources about mental health issues and enable them to develop resilience, increase coping skills, and facilitate help-seeking behaviour.

E-Safety – A variety of resources and services to help Australians have safer, more positive experiences online. Online abuse can also be reported via this website.

CCYP – The Commission for Children and Young People promote improvement in policies and practices that affect the safety and wellbeing of Victorian children and young people.