Student services plays a vital role within the school community which aims to provide a managed approach to student needs across the school environment so that attendance, engagement and health and well-being are core elements that underpin the day to day functions at Balga Senior High School.
The Student Services team at Balga SHS is a reflection of the holistic approach we embrace at Balga Senior High School. The basis of student services emanates from the collaborated student centred approach which recognises Success at school = Student – Community – School Partnership.
Teachers & Support Staff
Teachers have a key role to play across these three areas. It is essential that effective classroom management strategies are developed by each teacher so that maximum opportunity is provided to each student in a safe, caring and consistent environment.
In addition to this all staff in contact with students need to ensure that both intrinsic and extrinsic reward strategies are implemented. In the case of Balga SHS, this includes actively using the following:
- Positive praise in the classroom. Setting expectations for achievement not failure
- Consistency in classroom operations and expectations
- Consistent use of VIVO rewards program, so that effort is rewarded consistently.
- Follow Classroom Behaviour Management referral process to Pastoral Care Team for matters relating to behaviour and engagement
- Contact families/ carers of students with both positive and negative messages
- Collaborate with Pastoral Care Team members to assist in resolving issues as they arise.
Students Services Manager-Donelle Slater
Pastoral Care Team consists of:
Jackie Carton, Christine Walters, Sophie Mathers
Attendance and Engagement Team
Craig Webster, Dave Pascal
Instructional Code-Switching Coordinator
Philomena Rourke
Case Management Team
The Case Management team deals with those students that have demonstrated ongoing issues that require additional support and strategic intervention. Referrals are to be directed via Team Leaders
The Case Management Team meets weekly to review and reflect on the ongoing progress of students being case managed. A team member will be allocated to manage the overall management of each case. Usually the Case manager will be the appropriate TEAM LEADER. However, in high need circumstances this may be allocated to others including the school psychologist, Student Services Coordinator or relevant Deputy Principal. Individual Plans that are developed as part of this process will be made available to all relevant staff and updated on a weekly basis.
The Case Management team will work closely with Pastoral Care Team members, teachers, support staff, families and external agencies to ensure student support is effective and timely.
The Case Management Team consists of:
Year Level Deputy Principal (SS-Hayley McGill, MS-Rosemary Evans, LS-Karen Thomas)
Student Services Coordinator (Donnelle. Slater)
School Psychologists (Sashya Gunasekerra)
Team Leaders
L/S - Kristie Ellis - AC, Tim Cornish - GEN
M/S – Neil Arnold – AC, Bridie Guatta - GEN
S/S – Jenna Broadhurst – Year 11, Sarah Bath – Year 12
Learning Support - R. Playforth
IEC – Enda Gilbert-Rosette
