Student Support
Student Support
We believe that all students should be given an opportunity to reach their full potential. The school is committed to building a secure learning environment where all students feel culturally, emotionally and physically safe, and reflect the school values of personal and social responsibility, opportunities for all, achieving our personal best and developing respectful relationships.
Student Wellbeing underpins and supports all areas of the College. Our comprehensive Student Services Team provides psychological, physical, cognitive and social support for our learning community.
The Student Services Team at Pakenham Secondary aims to provide a comprehensive Student Services Program that builds and promotes a sense of belonging and resilience which will assist students to achieve a successful pathway in a safe and supportive environment.
School Wide Positive Behaviour Support
School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) Programs being together school communities to develop positive, safe, supportive learning cultures. Students and staff benefit from SWPBS in the following ways:
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Increased respectful and positive behaviour
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Increased time focused on instruction
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Improved social-emotional wellbeing
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Positive and respectful relationships between students and staff
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Increased adoption of evidence-based instructional practices
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A predictable learning environment with improved perceptions of safety and increased attendance.
We have been successfully using SWPBS at Pakenham Secondary College for some time. SWPBS assists our College to improve social, emotional, behavioural and academic outcomes for our students.
Our SWPBS Program has been implemented to the highest of standards. We have identified the behavioural expectations relating to our core values of Social and Personal Responsibility, Opportunities for All, Achieving Personal Best and Respectful Relationships, and we take every opportunity to recognise and celebrate our students demonstrating these important College values. Our students and staff at Pakenham Secondary College feel well supported by our SWPBS Program.
Find out the School Wide Positive Behaviour Support theme for Term 2 by clicking the button below.
Student Services
The College Student Services team consists of staff members with diverse and specialised backgrounds. Each Sub-school team is connected into the College Student Services Team who work closely with staff, students and parents, developing preventative programs and providing support.
Students, teachers and parents are able to refer to the Student Services team for consultation on issues such as friendship, social skills, bullying, grief, adolescent behaviour, mental health issues, learning difficulties, family and other issues. Examples of support that are offered include:
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Educational counselling re: mental health, developmental and school related issues
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Small group work
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Ongoing in-school support for students referred to outside agencies
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Assessment for learning difficulties
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Assistance with delivering curriculum and wellbeing programs and initiatives i.e. Cyber Safety, Respectful Relationships
Students and families can access a number of services through direct contact with the College. If we cannot provide services which are suitable, we will refer to the appropriate external agency.
Missing 2 days a month means a child misses 10% of the school year.
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Missing 2 days a month means a child misses 10% of the school year.
Academic Support
Students have access to a range of structures and strategies to support their academic achievement. Each Sub-school has leaders who, along with teaching and support staff, follow the learning progress of each student and provide intervention of support when required. This support includes goal setting, differentiated classwork and assessment, and regular communication with families to provide effective strategies to promote positive and effective learning.
Homework Club
Homework Club is held in the College Library every Thursday afternoon, from 3:15 pm to 4:30 pm.
All students are welcome to attend for help with classwork or homework.
Teachers will be present to provide assistance.
Enhancement Program
From Years 7 to 10, a class of high achieving students are selected to be a part of the Enhancement Program. This class is enriched across all Key Learning Areas and given the opportunity for extended work. The Enhancement class has access to a VCE subject in Year 10.
Our students also have access to the Victorian High-Ability Program and the Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series. These programs provide high-ability students with the opportunity to engage in online and in-person sessions that occur during and after school hours. They have a focus on extending and developing student capabilities in areas such as Mathematics and English. Students are nominated for these exciting programs.
Student Leadership
Pakenham Secondary College is committed to preparing our students to become community and professional leaders in their chosen fields. Students are provided with a rich array of opportunities to develop the confidence, knowledge and skills which they can take with them after graduating. Apart from the formal leadership roles described here, there are many other daily opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills. Leadership development at all levels of our school is encouraged and valued.
Student leadership opportunities exist across all year levels at Pakenham Secondary College. Student Leadership positions at the College include:
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College Captains
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Student Representative Council President
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Sports Captain
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House Captains
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Sub School Captains
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Class Captains
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Performing Arts Captains
Disability Inclusion Program
Pakenham Secondary College is proud to offer an outstanding Disability Inclusion Program designed to enhance the educational experience for students with diverse learning needs. Our Disability Inclusion approach focuses on three key areas to improve learning outcomes for students:
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A tiered model of funding to provide targeted support,
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A strength-based approach to empower students with disabilities, and
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Ongoing professional development and collaboration with specialist allied health teams.
Our Disability Inclusion team is supported by the Assistant Principal (Wellbeing), the Disability Inclusion Learning Specialist, the Disability Inclusion Wellbeing Coordinator and the Disability Inclusion Support Teacher
Our team possesses extensive expertise in a variety of strategies, resources, and tools that enable students with disabilities to reach their full potential.
We also highly value the support of our families and actively engage with them through quarterly Student Support Group meetings. These meetings help develop Individual Education Plans and Behaviour Support Plans, ensuring that all teachers are equipped to meet each student's unique learning needs.
Doctors in Secondary Schools
Pakenham Secondary College was one of 100 Victorian secondary schools selected to participate in the Doctors in Schools program.
This program funds a GP and practice nurse to provide primary health care to Victorian secondary schools.
Pakenham Secondary has partnered with Headspace for this initiative. A doctor and practice nurse will attend the school every Wednesday from 11th February. Students are able to access the doctor or nurse by booking appointments via the button below.
The objectives of the Doctors in Secondary Schools program are to:
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make primary health care more accessible to students
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provide assistance to young people to identify and address any health problems early
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reduce the pressure on working parents or families experiencing financial hardship.
Students and their parents/carers do not incur any out-of-pocket expenses for student consultations with the GP.
First Aid at PSC
Students who are feeling unwell at school should inform their teacher, who will provide a note to see the nurse or first aid officer. The student will be assessed and treated (if necessary). If required, the nurse will contact the student’s parents or carers to arrange for them to be collected. Students are not permitted to contact their parents or carers directly.
Student Attendance
It is vitally important for students to attend school regularly. Attending and participating in school helps your child to:
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Develop important skills and knowledge that support their learning.
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Build social and emotional skills, such as effective communication, resilience, and teamwork.
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Form friendships with peers, which foster self-esteem and a sense of belonging.
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Information Technology
Students experiencing issues connecting to the school’s Wi-Fi can visit the I.T. Department at the following times:
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Before school
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Recess
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Lunchtime
The I.T. Department is located in the LC Building.
Careers and Pathways
Our dedicated Careers Team provides individualised support for students across all year levels. Students are always welcome to visit the Careers office, located next to B5.
The Careers Team also manages a dedicated Careers Hub, which offers the latest information to help students make informed decisions about their future careers and life beyond school.
