At Como Secondary School we have a dedicated support network for both students and parents.
Our Student Services Team comprises of:
Michael Foster – Student Services Manager
Heidi Virgin – Student Services Coordinator
Josh Findlater – Student Services Good Standing and Event Coordinator
Vanessa Payne – Student Services Support Officer
Vicki Berich – Student Services School Officer
Pharyn Thompson – School Psychologist
Kerry Martin – College Nurse
Robyn Lewis – College Chaplain
Denise Jetta – Stars Foundation
Student Services Manager
The Student Services Manager oversees and coordinates the activities within the Student Services Team. They provide support for the students and families on a social and emotional level and liaise with external agencies where needed. The team offer support to students at educational risk and assist all students with pastoral care or mental health issues. The Student Services Manager works closely with local primary schools to smooth the transition process into secondary school and organises extracurricular activities throughout the year. The Manager is active in the positive behaviour program throughout the school.
School Psychologist
Our School Psychologist provides psychological services and evidence-based assessments and interventions in mental health and well-being, behaviour, risk and critical incident management, learning and disability. The psychologist works closely with the school administration, teachers, students and parents. Students may self-refer (via Student Services) or may be referred after consultation with parents.
Chaplain
For many students and families, high school life can be difficult and confusing as both students and parents face new challenges. One of the roles of the Chaplain is to encourage and support members of the College community as they come to terms with these challenges. As part of the Student Services team, the Chaplain works together with the Year Coordinators, the Psychologist and the Nurse. One of the key elements of the Chaplain’s role is to be accessible to members of the community to discuss and assist in a broad range of areas, including issues such as bullying and teasing, through to personal, family and relationship issues. Appointments to see the Chaplain can be made discreetly at the Chaplain’s Office.
Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer
The role of an AIEO in a school is to work specifically on matters related to the teaching and learning of our Indigenous students. This includes pastoral support and working with teaching staff to help them work effectively with these students. Aboriginal and Islander families of our students are welcome to contact our AIEO to discuss their concerns about their children.
School Nurse
The College Nurse is based on-site in the Health Centre. The role of the College Nurse is different to that of a nurse in a hospital. Here “health” relates to mental and social health as well as physical health. With that in mind, the focus of the School Nurse is health promotion, prevention and early intervention whilst encouraging the students to be responsible for their own health and well-being.
Stars provides a holistic program that supports Indigenous girls and young women to attend and remain engaged at school, complete Year 12 and move into work or further study.
The program is based on strong, trusting relationships. The Stars Room provides a culturally safe, warm environment – a place where the girls and young women in our program feel nurtured and inspired.
Full-time Mentors provide a diverse range of activities to support our Stars to develop the self-esteem, confidence and life skills they need to successfully participate in school and transition into a positive and independent future.
Find out more about the Stars Foundation
