Chaplains

An avenue for students to gain assistance is through the two Chaplains, Rev Michael Prabaharan and Rev Roger Williams. The Chaplains offer private and confidential opportunities in the quietness and seclusion of the Chaplaincy Centre.

School Nurse

A qualified Registered Nurse, Mrs Jodie Campain, is available to attend to student illness, accidents and emergencies every day during term.

Counsellors

As part of the pastoral care program at Mentone Grammar, a counselling service is offered by two registered Psychologists who specialise in working with young people in schools. Access to the counsellors is easy and discreet for students – they can just pop in, send a text, email or phone.

The counsellors can also refer to and liaise with other psychologists, other agencies and other health professionals outside the school where appropriate. Good local services include Kingston Youth Services and Headspace (see phone numbers below).

The Counsellors can help students solve their problems by helping them think clearly about what is happening and what they want to happen. They then together work out step by step how to help things move forward. They are trained to screen for all sorts of difficulties and work in ways that are very respectful of the students who see them.

Students can be helped if they are struggling with

• procrastination
• stress
• anxiety
• sadness
• time management
• feeling overwhelmed
• feeling guilty about not working hard enough
• not feeling guilty about not working hard enough
• feeling unmotivated
• decisions about subjects and choices
• well being
• school generally
• friends
• breakup
• family
• health
• crises
• solving problems
• life coaching and goal setting

Confidentiality

Discussions with students are confidential. This means that for senior students (Year 9 and above) we don't tell parents, teachers or other students what we talk about. The exception to this is if a student's health or life, or that of someone else, is at risk, then the Counsellors need to act to keep students safe. For students in Year 8 or below, we inform parents in a discreet and helpful way that will continue to help things get better.

Support for parents

Our school counsellors can offer initial support to parents around parenting or school issues. They can also recommend other counsellors if longer term support is required.  

Permission

The school can request that children see the school counsellor without parental permission. Older students can also come and see counsellors of their own accord. Families who commit to enrolling their child in the school are allowing us to offer the student the support that we discern they need to succeed in their learning and wellbeing. The aim is always to liaise with families as much as possible within professional guidelines regarding confidentiality. At all times the student's wellbeing is the priority.

Staff liaison

Where appropriate counsellors also liaise with other staff at the school to help support and enable students to reach their full potential, within confidentiality guidelines.

 

Useful phone numbers

Emergency	000	Police, fire, ambulance
KidsHelpLine	1800 55 1800	free 24/7 confidential phone counselling for children and adolescents
Lifeline	13 11 14	free 24/7 confidential phone counselling for adults
Directline	1800 888 236	24/7 drug/alcohol info
Kingston Youth Services	1300 36 94 36	Southland Shopping Centre
Headspace	9526 1600	Highett and St Kilda
Poisons Info	13 11 26
Nurse on Call	1300 606 024
Family Drug and Alcohol Helpline	1300 660 068	info, counselling, education program
Child First	1300 367 441	free family counselling
South East Centre Against Sexual Assault	9594 2289
National Pregnancy Support Helpline	1800 422 213
Gamblers Helpline	1800 156 789
Victoria Legal Aid	1800 677 402

Helpful websites on mental health and wellbeing issues:

www.reachout.com
www.beyondblue.org.au
www.youthbeyondblue.com
www.headspace.org.au
www.bullyingnoway.com.au

The Mentone Grammar Counsellors can be contacted by calling 9584 3216 or email admin@mentonegrammar.net