Student Services
At Northam Senior High School, we believe that school is not just about education; it’s about empowering students to and allowing them to be confident in their abilities as they grow. We are committed to the wellbeing of students, and we aim to instil this confidence and encourage them to be excited about their future.
We pride ourselves on the wide network of services available to students, and ensure accessibility and inclusiveness for all so that students can receive the individual attention and support they need. The Student Services Team is made up of number of trained staff in various disciplines who encourage problem solving and conflict resolution through counselling, consultation and communication. They assist teachers in contributing to the welfare of each student, as well as parents and teachers, attuned to their individual needs.
Members of this team include the School Nurse, School Psychologists, School Chaplain, Aboriginal and Islander Education Officers and Student Support Officers along with our Deputy Principals.
Pastoral Care
Pastoral Care is the role of every teacher, and this is led by the Student Services Program Coordinator, Mr Derek Ringrose and Teacher in Charge of Student Services, Mrs Alyssa Scott. Two Year Coordinators also work across the year groups to support student wellbeing and positive participation. The Year Coordinator for Year 7, 9 and 11 is Mr Ry Shaw and the Year Coordinator for Year 8, 10 and 12 is Mrs Dawn Fisher.
School Nurse
Our School Nurse Michell Cordes is available two days week one and three days week two for health assessments and to provide information, advice, referral and support services for our students. The presence of a school nurse helps to instil the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices, and helps them cope with health issues. It sets the stage for a lifetime of knowledge, skills and behaviour relating to health and wellbeing.
School Psychologists
The School Psychologist’s role is to provide support to the school using their experience and expertise in such areas as behaviour management and pastoral care. The School Psychologist may also provide support by working with students having severe difficulties coping whilst at school. Such support includes helping students better understand themselves, take responsibility for their own behaviour and undertake skill training so that they may be better able to utilise their skills and strengths in a learning environment.
School Chaplain
Our School Chaplain Luan Cryne works to provide support in areas such as student attendance, engagement and mental health providing students, their families and staff with support and/or appropriate referrals in difficult situations such as during times of grief, or when students are facing personal or emotional challenges.
AIEOs
Our Aboriginal and Islander Education Officers Lisa Mourach, Thomas Nickles, Sarina Narkle and Zoe Blurton provide support specifically for Aboriginal and Islander students. They aim to reinforce the pride and self-esteem of Aboriginal students in their own cultural identity and encourage participation in post-compulsory studies. They function as a link and resource between the school and Aboriginal community and ensure the needs of Aboriginal students and the Aboriginal community are met through advice and assistance.
Student Support Officers
Our Student Support Officers William Dick, Melanie West and Kayla Ringrose contribute to the implementation of our whole-of school approach to wellbeing with a focus on early intervention. They work closely with the students in small grups or individually to develop social and emotional skills through strengths-based program and strategies that build resilience, coping skills and positive relationships.