Student Services
The hub of the College is Student Services, which is situated at the top of the stairwell in the quiet study area.
The philosophy of Student Services arises from the College focus of helping students to achieve their full potential. As a result, students are able to access information and support about a wide range of issues or services in the pursuit of this goal.
Student Services provides support services to students in the form of help with class choices, package checks, counselling, case management, careers pathways and work experience. Each year group is supported by a team of Student Advisors and these people are available to help with any question students may have.
In addition, the Student Services team works closely with the Executive Teacher of Assessment and Reporting to ensure that each student has every opportunity to successfully complete a Senior Secondary Certificate. All information about students is centralised in Student Services and this makes it easier to support students in their endeavours.
Student Services is generally open throughout the day and students can drop-in or make an appointment that works with their schedule and that of their Year Advisor. We encourage all students to utilise Student Services and we look forward to seeing our students to help them with any problems that may arise or simply for a chat.
Prospective Students
Future students please note, if you attend Melrose/Stromlo/Alfred Deakin High Schools, members of the Student Services team and Executive staff from across the College will see you at the beginning of Term 4, in your school, to help you with class selections for the following year.
For those students who attend other schools, there are enrolment times available at the College for class selection and you simply need to ring and book an appointment. These times will be sent out in the Offer of Place pack.
We look forward to chatting with all our incoming students over the course of Term 4.
School Social Workers
Canberra College has two social workers who can support you with a wide range of issues. In their commitment to human rights and social justice, School Social Workers advocate for the rights of students against the discrimination and reduced opportunities they can sometimes experience. They help young people to realise their full potential through learning.
The school social workers can provide interventions for a wide range of social, school, family and emotional issues that may impact negatively on school engagement and learning, including:
- Grief and loss
- Mental health issues
- Trauma, abuse and neglect
- Gender and sexuality
- Life transitions and family change
- Bullying and anti-social behaviours
- Disability
- Alcohol and other drugs
- Social relationships
- Family relationships and parenting
- Family poverty
- Family violence
- Housing and transience
- Engagement and attendance
The School Social Workers work closely with the School Principal, Student Services, the School Psychologist and the Wellbeing Officer to provide holistic and wrap-around support for all students of Canberra College. In addition, the School Social Workers run group programs and facilitate events and activities to engage students and contribute to the overall wellbeing of the Canberra College community.
Students and their families can contact the school social workers via:
Bridget Perman (Monday-Wednesday)
Email: Bridget.Perman@ed.act.edu.au
Phone: 02 6142 3886
Mobile: 0468 864 712
Kaila Drysdale (Monday-Friday)
Email: Kaila.Drysdale@ed.act.edu.au
Phone: 02 6142 3325
Mobile: 0401 133 107
School Psychologist
Sometimes life as a college student can get complicated and feel out of control. At these times, Canberra College's school psychologists are there to provide support to you.
If you are finding things difficult in your personal or school life, please do not hesitate to book an appointment with our school psychologist.
As a student, you can see either of the school psychologists for a confidential talk on any issue that is bothering you. The psychologist's priority is to help you get the most out of your college experience.
This might include:
- coping with stress or other strong emotions
- managing relationships with family, teachers or friends
- studying effectively, and
- feeling better about yourself and your life.
Support is also available to parents and carers. As a parent or carer, you can discuss your child's academic and social progress confidentially, and find out about community and other resources to support you in your parenting role.
Teachers may also wish to work with the psychologist in a consultancy role, discussing options for supporting students, reviewing outcomes or accessing testing and referral resources.
Appointments
Appointments are available in-person at the College, or by calling 02 6142 3288. Students are also welcome to make an appointment, on the sheet outside the school psychologist's office in Student Services.
Email contact is also welcomed via Shireen.Manocha@ed.act.edu.au
Other wellbeing options
If you have serious concerns for your own or another young person’s mental health you may:
- make a GP appointment
- contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or via SMS on 0477 13 11 14 (6pm to midnight AEST, 7 days a week)
- contact Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service on 02 5124 3133 (business hours)
- contact Crisis Assessment Team on 1800 629 354 (outside business hours)
- attend Accident and Emergency at a hospital.
If you have concerns for a child or young person’s safety, please call Child and Youth Protection Services on 1300 556 729. The psychologists are currently available at the college 5 days per week and can be contacted by phone via the front office (02 6142 3288) or direct (02 6142 3335).