Mental Health Support Must go Beyond the Counsellor's Office

With rising concerns around youth mental health - both in Australia and globally - schools are increasingly expected to create environments that prioritise student wellbeing. Addressing mental health challenges can feel like a mammoth challenge for educators, especially with the ever-shifting landscape of digital life.

At Waverley College, we’ve been tackling the issue with a whole-school wellbeing initiative, a comprehensive program designed to integrate mental health support, as part of a holistic wellbeing framework, into every aspect of school life. Over time, we’ve learned that mental health support isn’t a single department or team member’s responsibility: it needs to be woven into the very fabric of the school experience.

Why a Whole-school Approach?
Mental health support shouldn’t be confined to a counsellor's office. It should be integrated into everyday school life, from classroom practices to leadership decisions. This is the idea behind our whole-school approach.

Support is built into the school from the ground up - from classroom routines and school events to leadership decisions. This holistic approach recognises that students' mental health is influenced by many factors: academic pressure, relationships, digital experiences, and their home environment.

In your own school, implementing a similar model doesn’t need to happen all at once. Start by identifying areas where wellbeing can be more consciously integrated into daily routines - such as a short morning check-in with students or regular, low-pressure activities that build connection and communication.

At Waverley, we’ve done this through our ‘CCC Time’ framework (Connection, Culture, Communication), which is a 15-minute daily slot dedicated to student wellbeing. Even small changes like this can have a significant impact over time.

A recent survey of our staff indicated that there have been significant improvements in student engagement and student-mentor relationships following the introduction of CCC Time. Overall, 98.5% of staff were positive about this program.

Focus on Digital
One of the growing challenges in mental health is helping students navigate the digital landscape. It’s important that we, as educators, equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate online challenges safely and healthily.

Waverley’s proactive strategies to tackle this include digital literacy education and screen time management, equipping students with the tools to set boundaries and develop healthy online habits.

Educators can take small steps in this direction by including digital wellness discussions in the curriculum or offering workshops that involve both students and parents. It's essential to focus on education rather than restriction, teaching students to make thoughtful choices online.

Reach Out to Experts
One of the key takeaways from Waverley’s approach is the importance of working with experts. Involving mental health professionals ensures that your school’s approach is informed by the latest research, and backed by experts in the field.

It doesn’t matter if your school is large or small: tapping into the knowledge of external professionals can enhance the quality of your mental health programs. For example, Waverley works with the Association of Independent Schools (AIS) to implement evidence-based approaches, ensuring their initiatives are grounded in research.

We also ensure that all staff (teaching and support) are fully trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid, to better support students in their mental wellbeing and empower staff to have conversations about mental health more confidently.

Schools might also consider joining or supporting research projects to stay at the forefront of best practices. At Waverley, we participate in studies like the Black Dog Institute's Future Proofing Study and research projects with the IBSC, contributing to a broader understanding of youth mental health.

Make Space to Reflect and Recharge
Giving students time and space to reflect can have a big impact on their mental wellbeing. Our targeted support groups for building social skills and for students with anxiety, for instance, are designed to give students a safe space to discuss their feelings and learn practical management techniques.

Even without a dedicated group, schools can create quiet spaces or mindfulness rooms where students can step away from the hustle and bustle when feeling overwhelmed. Simply providing a moment of calm can make a big difference in a student’s day.

Wellbeing is an Achievement too
It’s all too easy for schools to become overly focused on academic achievement, which can add to the mental burden students already face. It’s important to develop a school culture that values holistic growth alongside academics, ensuring that students aren’t sacrificing mental health for academic success.

Waverley’s Kanyini Program seeks to combat this by encouraging holistic development, balancing academics with Social Emotional Learning skills and resilience training. The program addresses mental wellbeing as a key component of personal growth, rather than seeing it as separate from academic success.

Kanyini is a Pitjantjatjara word meaning inter-connectedness; to care for, to support, to nurture and protect. Kanyini is best expressed in English as the combination of the two words ‘responsibility’ and ‘love’, but it is actually a relationship; it is an enormous caring with no limit. The teaching of Kanyini comes from Robert James Randall (1934-2015) also known as Uncle Bob, who was an Aboriginal Elder, singer and community leader, and part of the Stolen Generations.

Through the Waverley College Kanyani program, we aim to foster a strong sense of connection - ensuring that each young person is known and valued, celebrating diversity, and facilitating open and empathetic communication, ultimately promoting holistic wellbeing and a sense of unity within our community.

Consider adopting similar values in your school’s culture, ensuring that students know achievement doesn’t have to come at the cost of their mental health. Incorporating lessons on resilience, coping strategies, and life balance into the curriculum can help students manage stress more effectively.

Community Matters
One final lesson to take from Waverley is the value of community. Programs like our ‘Big Brother, Little Brother’ initiative build mentoring relationships between younger and older students, creating bonds that support mental health and encourage positive role modelling. Other events, like R U OK? Day and the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence, give students opportunities to engage in broader conversations about wellbeing.

Your school could develop similar programs, focusing on peer-to-peer support, or partner with external organisations to host events that highlight mental health awareness. Cultivating a strong community helps students feel less isolated and more supported in their daily lives.

Building a school environment that prioritises mental health doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By integrating wellbeing into daily routines, collaborating with experts, and creating spaces for reflection, educators can make meaningful strides toward supporting their students’ mental health.

James Horrocks has over twelve years of dedicated service in the education sector, James’ expertise spans pastoral care, leadership, strategic planning, student wellness, and positive education - skills that allow him to help students create authentic, sustainable pathways.

In 2015, James joined Waverley College as Assistant House Coordinator before exploring a range of roles including Convenor of Water Polo, Red Earth Immersion Coordinator, Senior History Teacher, and Head of House.

After spending two years as Director of Learning Integration at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College, Kensington, James was welcomed back to Waverley College as Head of Wellbeing, where he utilises his passion and knowledge for helping high-risk students and implementing sustainable school-wide initiatives for both students and teachers.

In 2022, James was a recipient of the NGS Super Scholarship Award for his focus on creating a sustainable farm and cafe at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College, Kensington. The initiative helped students develop skills in sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurship, finances, marketing, and community collaboration.