Student Wellbeing

Prairiewood High School’s understanding of wellbeing reflects that of the Department of Education (DoE). The DoE Wellbeing Framework acknowledges the strong links between wellbeing and school excellence supports schools to create learning environments that enable students to be healthy, happy, engaged and successful. The DoE commitment to wellbeing is for our schools to support students to connect, succeed and thrive at each stage of their development and learning; to provide opportunities that are age rigorous, meaningful and dignified; to do this in the context of individual and shared responsibility underpinned by productive relationship that support students to learn.

More information please click this link: NSW Wellbeing Framework 

Prairiewood High School considers its students' wellbeing and safety as one of our utmost priorities. We aim for the academic success and personal happiness of every student and support each student to reach their potential, achieve the skills to continue effective life-long learning and prepare to take up successfully the role of citizens of the future. To support this aim; we provide a safe, caring and stimulating learning environment; maintain high expectations of work and behaviour; promote self-esteem and celebrate success in all areas.

The wellbeing of children and young people is enhanced and their learning outcomes optimised, when they feel connected to others and experience safe and trusting relationships. Students who feel connected, safe and secure are more likely to be active participants in their learning and to achieve better physical, emotional, social and educational outcomes.

The Australian Student Wellbeing Framework was released in 2019 and  focuses on the elements of leadership, inclusion, student voice, partnerships and support as the foundation for the whole school community to promote student wellbeing, safety and learning outcomes. Prairiewood High School has evaluated our practices against the five elements of the framework and is proud about the work we do supporting wellbeing.

Student wellbeing is the responsibility of every staff member.

PHS Wellbeing Policy

The Student Wellbeing Team is a formalised group, which provides a network of support and help to all students and their parents. The Student Wellbeing Team consists of:

• The Principal  (Ms Giudice) – who holds the overriding responsibility for wellbeing policies and procedures of the school
• Deputy Principals (Ms Pool, Mr Judge, Mr Kumar) – work in partnership with students, their parent/carers and external organisations (as applicable) to address a range of wellbeing matters impacting on achievement and engagement at school. In 2024, Mr Judge is responsible for year 7 and 10 students, Mr Kumar is responsible for year 8 and 11 students, and Ms Pool is responsible for year 9 and 12 students. 
• School Counsellor/School Psychologist – available to provide specialised psychological assessment, counselling and intervention services for students. Please see the School Counselling Service page for more information.
• Head Teachers Wellbeing  (Mrs Hernandez and Ms Bond) responsible for the co-ordination of the student wellbeing team. In 2024 Ms Bond supports students from years 8, 10 and 12 and Ms Hernandez supports students from years 7, 9 and 11. 
• Head Teacher Student Engagement  – whole-school coordination of Student Attendance policy. If you wish to discuss any attendance related matters, please contact HT Student Engagement.
• Head Teacher Learning Support – leads whole school planning and support service aimed at addressing the learning needs and abilities of individual students; member of the Student Wellbeing Assessment Team. In 2024 Ms Zalavras, Ms So and Ms Rowley (Rel.)  are the HTLS.
• Year Advisors – the central figure for the student and often the first contact for parents. Year Advisors provide support, assistance and care for each individual and when necessary make the appropriate referrals to seek the most beneficial support for the student's specific needs. This is often the best first point of contact for supporting students.  

Our Year Advisors in 2024:

1. Year 7 - Ms Urludag and Ms Kourahanis (Learning Support staffroom)
   
2. Year 8 - Ms Karen (CAPA/LOTE) and Mr Lijanto (HSIE staffroom)
3. Year 9 - Mr Herron, Ms Rolls (TAS staffroom) 
4. Year 10 - Ms Rowley (English staffroom), Ms Narayan (CAPA/LOTE staffroom)
5. Year 11 - Ms Nissan and Ms Lam (HSIE staffroom)
6. Year 12 - Ms Vuong (English staffroom), Mrs Zreika (Science staffroom)
7. Wellbeing Hub staff (Ms Bond and Charlie) – provide case management support for students and assists in the delivery of universal, targeted and individual programs of support. Please click on the Wellbeing Hub page to find out more information about the Hub.

• Community Liaison Officers (Bashar Hanna, Le Ngo) – develop links between school and community, providing information and support on education related issues for the facilitation of partnerships in decision making to enhance learning. Whilst supporting all students and all cultures, Bashar is a lead contact point for our Arabic students, Le actively supports our Vietnamese students. Please click on the Community Liaison Officers' page to find out more information about the work of our CLOs and how parents/carers can actively be involved in school life.
• Department of Education support - When applicable, students and families can be supported by DoE personnel. This includes the Home School Liaison Officer, Multicultural Education officers, Aboriginal Community Liaison, Out of Home Care officer and specialist student wellbeing support including the Learning & Wellbeing Officers.

For more information about how we can support your child, please contact one of our Head Teachers Wellbeing.