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Wellbeing & Disability Inclusion
At Pakenham Secondary College, student wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels connected, valued and empowered to succeed both academically and personally.
Our Wellbeing Team plays an integral role in fostering positive mental, social and emotional health across the College. The team provides both individual and group-based support for students and includes a Mental Health Practitioner, Adolescent Health Nurse, Wellbeing Counsellors, an Indigenous Cultural Worker and a Pasifika Cultural Worker. We also work closely with external organisations including The Les Twentyman Foundation and the Mackillop Early Intervention Team to provide additional support and opportunities for our students.
Throughout the year, students participate in a range of wellbeing programs and initiatives designed to build resilience, confidence, self-awareness and positive relationships.
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Brainstorm Productions
Students in Years 7-10 participate in Brainstorm Productions, engaging educational theatre performances that explore important wellbeing topics including reilience, bullying prevention, online safety, respectful relationships and help-seeking.
The programs encourage students to think critically about the challenges of the digital world, including social media, cyberbullying, mental health and peer pressure. Through relatable storytelling, interactive Q&A sessions and curriculum-aligned resources, students are empowered to make positive choices, support others and build resilience.
LifeChanger
LifeChanger programs are delivered to Years 8 and 9 students and focus on empowering students to take ownership of their mental health and wellbeing. Through engaging workshops and activities, students explore topics such as resilience, mindfulness, goal setting, self-awareness, connection and personal growth. The program helps students build important social and emotional skills while fostering a strong sense of belonging and community.
Teen Mental Health First Aid
Delivered to students in Years 9 and 10, Teen Mental Health First Aid promotes understanding and awareness of mental health challenges faced by young people. Students learn how to recognise when a peer may need support, how to respond appropriately and where to seek help. The program encourages help-seeking behaviours and supports students to look after both themselves and others.
Additional Wellbeing Programs and Initiatives
Students also have opportunities to participate in a variety of other wellbeing initiatives throughout the year. These programs support inclusion, cultural connection, resilience and personal growth.
Our Sub-School Team Days also provide valuable opportunities for students to strengthen their connection to the College community through team-building activities, goal setting and presentations from guest speakers focused on motivation and wellbeing.
At Pakenham Secondary College, we believe wellbeing and learning go hand in hand. By supporting students socially, emotionally and mentally, we help them develop the confidence, resilience and skills needed to thrive now and into the future.
Disabilitiy Inclusion
Pakenham Secondary College has developed its Disability Inclusion Program to ensure all students are supported to access meaningful learning, participate fully in school life and achieve their personal best. Our approach is grounded in respect, equity and a commitment to understanding each student's individual strengths and needs.
The program provides tailored adjustments, targeted support and collaborative planning involving students, families, teachers and allied health professionals. We work together to create inclusive learning environments where every student feels safe, valued and empowered to succeed.
At Pakenham Secondary College, inclusion is embedded in everything we do, ensuring all learners have the opportunity to thrive both academically and socially.
What is Disability Inclusion?
Disability Inclusion is ensuring every student at every ability thrives at school and in life.
Disability Inclusion has been rolled out state-wide across Victoria to all government schools. It involves:
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a tired funding model
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a new Disability Inclusion Profile to determine student needs, and
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initiatives to help build knowledge and skills in inclusive education in schools
The Disability Inclusion program recognises that every child is unique and aims to improve how students with disability are supported, with increased funding to help schools provide tailored learning adjustments, specialist support and assistive resources where needed. It has strengthened the way students with disability are supported in government schools so that every student can do well at school and in life.
We recognise that all students have different needs. Pakenham Secondary College provides the following through its Disability Inclusion Program:
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Programs and activities tailored to student needs
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Assistive technology and communication aids
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Classroom adjustments to support learning
Families and schools work together, with parents and carers bringing valuable insight into their child, and school staff contributing their knowledge of learning and support strategies. This shared understanding is captured through a Student Support Group, which brings together everyone involvement in supporting the student.
For students with high needs, a Disability Inclusion Profile is developed during a Student Support Group meeting. A trained facilitator leads the meeting, focusing on the student's strengths, needs and learning goals. Families may also contribute additional information such as NDIS plans or other assessments.
The profile helps identify the adjustments and funding required to support the student effectively.
We know that inclusive schools lead to better learning, engagement and wellbeing outcomes for all students, not only those with disability.
Supporting students across all learning programs
Education Support staff at Pakenham Secondary College play a vital role in creating inclusive, supportive learning environments across all programs, including PACT (Years 7-8), Year 9 Hands-on Learning, Year 10 Connections and mainstream classrooms.
Working closely with teachers, our Disability Inclusion aides provide in-class assistance to help students access learning, stay engaged and develop independence. They support individuals and small groups, reinforce teacher instructions and help implement adjustments that meet a range of learning, social and wellbeing needs.
In mainstream classrooms, they assist students with additional needs by supporting participation, encouraging positive learning behaviours and helping students remain connected to classroom activities. In specialised and applied learning programs, they provide targeted support that builds confidence, practical skills and engagement in hands-on leearning experiences.
Across all settings, Education Support staff work as part of a collaborative team, helping to ensure every student is included, supported and given the opportunity to succeed.