Our Welfare

Wellbeing is a state in which every individual realises their potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work/learn productively and thrive (WHO, 2014).
 

A well being is able to make positive contributions to the school and broader community. Arcadia College recognises that wellbeing underpins learning and engagement.

Our school promotes a supportive and safe learning environment for all students. We focus on attendance, engagement, learning, social emotional development and provide access to mental health services and youth support.

Arcadia College staff regularly engage in wellbeing professional development and wellbeing initiatives. We include social emotional teaching and learning activities and support for all students and, we promote our school as an inclusive and diverse student body. We have zero tolerance for bullying behaviours and foster a community that challenges discrimination and celebrates diversity.

We recognise the unique strengths and story of each student and staff member and encourage all to be the best they can be. We aim to create fun, engaging and real world learning experiences. Arcadia College recognises there are many different reasons a young person becomes disengaged from their education and offers a fresh start in a different type of school, where wellbeing matters and positive relationships are emphasised.

Our school offers supportive classroom strategies and specific wellbeing support staff to assist students experiencing challenges with their mental health, learning, home life or, any other education barriers to engage with learning.

Wellbeing is a focus of everyday at Arcadia College.
 

Wellbeing is a focus of everyday at Arcadia College. There are a variety of support staff that advocate, support and encourage students to engage positively with their learning, peers and community. All staff endeavour to build positive relationships with students as a core component of student engagement. Arcadia College has specifically trained wellbeing staff to support students in the following roles:

• Head of Welfare/ Senior Psychologist - education and mental health support
• Psychologist - qualified psychologists on site for counselling and assessment
• Nurse - qualified registered nurse on site to triage illness, mental health or health issues
• Youth Worker - experienced youth support with a focus on attendance, engagement and success for students via community partnerships and enthusiasm
• Mental Health Youth Worker - Triage and support the wellbeing of young people.
• Student Engagement Officers - each cohort of students has wellbeing support co-ordinators who support teaching teams to RESET and RE-ENGAGE students in their learning and facilitate wellbeing assistance

Arcadia College maintains positive relationships with community youth and family services. Students and families are sometimes referred to external services or programs to support their needs. Some of those services and programs include:

Arcadia College does things differently to traditional mainstream schools to ensure students are prepared for learning and feel safe and supported. This includes:

• Nutritional food served daily to students - breakfast, morning tea and lunch
• Teachers that aware of student wellbeing - regular engagement and focus by teachers and support staff to learn and develop wellbeing initiatives and refer for early intervention programs
• Building Relationships - teachers foster and nurture relationships with young people
• Promoting Awareness - Arcadia College acknowledges and celebrates awareness days throughout the year

Arcadia College includes social emotional learning activities into regular classroom lessons and daily initiatives linked to the Australian Curriculum under Health and Physical Education.

A variety of learning activities and programs are sequenced to match adolescent development and presenting year level needs. Guest speakers and programs are included and the opportunity to develop student resilience, impart wellbeing knowledge and develop positive mindset strategies in a safe, supported environment is enjoyed by staff and students alike.

Social and leadership initiatives and programs, such as, High Resolves global citizen units are integral to encouraging student voice and positive community engagement. At Arcadia College, each morning students are asked to score their overall battery at check in and participate in activities to promote positive connection to self, others and nature.

Arcadia College has a variety of community partnerships to enhance learning experiences, community engagement and positive social outcomes.

Youth workers facilitate student opportunities and benefits through Ozharvest, Rosies, the Bleach Festival, Graffiti-Art projects, Queensland Rail and Queensland Fire services. These partnerships benefit students and their families directly, promote community relationships and develop positive altruistic traits in our students. Arcadia College recognises and appreciates these organisations for their partnership and contribution to our school.