Wellbeing Team
Wellbeing Team
The School’s Wellbeing Team is available to students from all levels, to offer assistance with any difficulties they may be experiencing. At all times the information of both parents and students is treated confidentially.
Practical information as well as referral to community support and specialists can be provided. Students may contact the Wellbeing Team personally at the Wellbeing Centre or via their Homeroom Teacher.
You can contact them directly via the Compass app, or by contacting the school directly
Staff email addresses are in the format of firstname.lastname@education.vic.gov.au
Louisa Hayes
Wellbeing Leader
Louisa leads the School’s Wellbeing Team and oversees wellbeing support across the school. She has a Diploma in Community Welfare and more than 20 years’ experience in community welfare, mental health, child development and family violence sectors.
Louisa is trained in Trauma-Informed Practice, Risk Assessment, Mental Health, Family Violence, ASIST and Infant Mental Health and has completed further specialist training in areas such as leadership, case planning and working with young people who have experienced trauma.
Louisa provides support to students and families, facilitates referrals to appropriate services and coordinates whole-school wellbeing processes.
Jess Byrne
School Counsellor
Jess comes to Wangaratta High School as a School Counsellor with a wealth of experience. She has worked in remote Queensland supporting young people at risk and at Headspace, Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation. Jess holds a Certificate IV in Youth Work and a Diploma of Mental Health and has completed further training in Trauma-Informed Practice, Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD), and Suicide Prevention. Jess is currently studying a Bachelor of Youth Work. With a strong passion for working with adolescents, Jess is a highly valued member of our team.
Kellie Williams
Mental Health Practitioner
Kellie is a well-known member of our school community, having served as an Aide for the past six years, she now transitions into this specialist role with a robust clinical foundation. Her intimate knowledge of our school’s operations and student body allows her to hit the ground running in supporting our wellbeing initiatives.
Professional Qualifications: Kellie holds a Bachelor of Criminology, a Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Counselling, and has recently completed her Master of Counselling.
By combining her extensive academic training with six years of practical experience within our classrooms, Kellie offers a holistic and informed approach to student mental health.
Kellie is located in the Senior building, with the Wellbeing team.
Her days of work are Monday, Tuesday and Friday.
Wellbeing Resources
We hope you find these general resources helpful. More specific support and additional resources are available from our Wellbeing Team. Please see the listing of staff above.
Websites
Parents: looking after yourself | Raising Children Network Resources on looking after yourself as a parent.
Parent Wellbeing | Parentline Resources and tips on promoting your wellbeing as a parent.
Beyond Blue | Personal Best | Information and tips on maintaining your wellbeing.
Wellbeing resources and information| Black Dog Institute Information on ways to wellbeing.
Self-care for family | headspace Information on self-care for parents with a child who is experiencing mental health difficulties.
Mental health online tools and apps |Black Dog Institute A list of digital tools and apps to support your mental health and wellbeing.
Self-help resources|LETSS Self-help resources that can be personalised by you or by your child to aid wellbeing.
Podcasts and apps
Mental health support for adults – websites
Mental health support for adults – online programs