Wellbeing

Our school environment welcomes and respects people from all backgrounds.

At Bankstown Girls, we understand that schools have an important role in student wellbeing and mental health. With the community we have created at Bankstown, we are confident there will always be someone that students can turn to for wellbeing support.

Our Head Teacher of Wellbeing, Ms Fiona Bannas, is responsible for the overall development of school policies and practices relating to student wellbeing, pastoral care, and the management of behavioural development. She is supported by Year Advisers, School Counsellors, the Deputy Principals and a student support officer.

How we support student wellbeing

Supporting each student’s mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing is part of everyday school life.

We do this through:

• teachers who help students feel welcome and included
• access to school counsellors, school psychologists and specialist staff
• programs that support health, social skills, attendance and positive behaviour
• help for students who are new or changing year levels
• clear expectations for behaviour and respectful relationships
• staff who get to know each child and work closely with families
• developing health care plans for students
• open communication about wellbeing and support.

Wellbeing initiates and coordinates activities related to:

• Attendance Policy
• Anti-Bullying Program
• Vaccination Program
• Student Mentoring Program
• Peer Mediation Program
• Volunteering Program
• Peer Support Program

Furthermore, each Student Adviser runs a welfare program that teaches leadership skills and promotes resilience and connectedness to the school.

• Year 7 – Peer Support and Positive social skills.
• Year 8 – Personal Growth and Resilience
• Year 9 – Social Development and Positive Relationships
• Year 10 – Youth Empowerment and Peer Support
• Year 11 – Empowerment and future Life Choices
• Year 12 – Senior Studies Programs and Post School Preparation.

Each semester Student Advisors organise a Merit Assembly where the students in their year group can be congratulated for their creativity, diligence in class or community work. Year Advisors also coordinate wellbeing sessions on topics such as mental health, positive relationships, and stress management. Additionally, they provide individual support and guidance to ensure every student feels safe, valued, and connected within the school community.

There are also an additional range of welfare programs that cater to more than one year group.

• Peer Mediation – Years 10, 11 & 12 students are trained in Restorative Practice and use their skills as a first step in sorting out problems between younger students. These students are invaluable as part of the school's Anti-Bullying Program.
• The Premier's Volunteering Challenge – Years 9, 10, 11, & 12 students earn certificates for the hours they put into environmental and fund raising projects for community organisations such as RSPCA and The Sea Shepherd Trust. They also work in the school garden which was created as a joint project with the Environmental Committee.
• Community Link Projects : Blood Donation – Red Cross, Stewart House participants, Youth Housing Scholarship recipients, ABCN Scholarships, ZONTA, International Women's Day Breakfast, Community based Student Mentoring, MTC Mentoring, Links to Learning, Support a Sister.

The Wellbeing Nurse

The role of the wellbeing nurse (formerly 'WHIN Coordinator') is to:

• identify and address health and social needs of students and families
• coordinate appropriate intervention, assessments and referral of students and families to services and programs
• contribute to care coordination and case management of students and families
• build trusting relationships with students and families to identify and assess their health and social needs and address barriers to accessing services
• support access to health promotion to improve health literacy and engagement of students and families
• develop networks with health providers to build strong relationships and effective referral pathways.

BGHS Wellbeing Website

The Bankstown Girls High School Wellbeing Website is a hub where students, staff and community, can access information, resources and links relating to:

• Wellbeing
• Emergency
• In School Support
• External Support
• Apps & Websites
• Safe and Equal Suppor

BGHS Wellbeing Website

Visit Our principal and staff to learn about our wellbeing and specialist support staff.

Need support for your child's wellbeing?

Get in touch to talk about the right support for your child.

Contact us