Erindale College takes a whole school approach to student and staff wellbeing. We place equal value on students' emotional and social development as well as academic achievement. We strive to foster a sense of belonging to our school community. Erindale College is a safe, inclusive and connected school community that promotes student wellbeing, learning and positive relationships so that students can reach their full potential.
College Link
College Link is a support structure available at Erindale College for all students. Students are placed into small group mentoring classes with one teacher who supports them throughout their college life.
The role of the College Link teacher includes:
- helping students settle in and learn about college
- meeting with students each week during link on Monday, Thursday afternoons (Year 10 only) and negotiated interview times (one per semester)
- helping students select units and structure courses
- helping students to organise their time and prepare for class assessment and tasks
- monitoring student attendance and contacting parents with concerns
- monitoring individual students end of term and semester results, following up where inconsistent performance is evident and liaising with other teachers where appropriate
- liaising with parents/carers when problems or issues occur at college
- passing on messages from parents/carers to appropriate college staff
- supporting students to improve their study skills and understanding of learning
College Link teachers are the first point of contact for parents/carers with strong, two way communication encouraged.
The Learning Hub
At Erindale College we know that our students learn in a wide range of ways. For this reason we have provided a space where students can access expertise for any of their learning goals in their own time. The Hub provides a flexible and supportive learning environment within Erindale College.
The Learning Hub provides a safe, quiet space for individual and/or small group work. Students may wish to work in the Hub for a range of purposes:
- Extension work for students identified as Gifted & Talented
- A chance to catch up on work for students who need assistance to meet course requirements
- A quiet safe environment for students who could benefit from a small group setting on a temporary basis
There are a range of learning needs which the Hub may help to fulfil. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Students to catch up on missed in-class assessment tasks or assignments
- To work on extension inquiry projects
- To fulfil RPL requirements for VET courses
- Students who are unable to complete work in their home environments
- Self-directed study
School Psychology
All schools have a school psychologist as part of their student services team. Our school psychologists are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and their work is governed by the Australian Psychological Society Code of Ethics and several legislations such as Education Act 2004, Children and Young People Act 2008 and Health Records (Privacy and Access) Act 1997.
Psychologists are trained in human behaviour and have an understanding of child / adolescent development, behaviour, learning, memory, as well as the processes that influence how people think and feel. Within schools they can help deal with complex student issues and support school communities in a wide range of professional activities.
School psychologists can provide direct support or interventions to students, consult with teachers and families, or work alongside other members of the student services team (school youth health nurse, school social worker, youth worker) to assist students to thrive in their school environment. School psychologists may also work with the school executive team on school-wide practices and procedures, as well as collaborate with community providers to co-ordinate services for students.
The key aspects of a psychologist’s work in schools include the following:
- Undertake psychological evaluations, including individual student cognitive assessments
- Assist with Individual Learning Plans
- Provide psychological intervention individually or in groups. This may include a referral to a community provider for long term support
- Facilitate workshops and training for parents or teachers
- Act as a liaison to community services (paediatricians, allied health professionals) to provide information on a student’s progress or to obtain additional information for evaluations.
- Offer grief counselling in the event of a tragedy affecting the school community
If students would like to make an appointment to speak with a school psychologist, they can do so through Student Services (e-knex).
Erindale College Lawyer
A lawyer for Legal Aid ACT attends Erindale College every second Tuesday (odd school weeks) from 9am to 4pm.They provide free and confidential help to students and their families. They may be able to:
- Give you general legal information so that you understand your rights and responsibilities.
- Give you advice about specific legal issues so that you know your options and the best steps forward.
- Help you by negotiating, drafting letters or assisting you to prepare for court.
- Appear on your behalf in mediations and court.
- Refer you to non-legal community and support services.
The lawyer can help students across a range of legal areas including family violence, moving out of home and renting, Centrelink issues, protection orders (PPOs and FVOs), family law, police matters and criminal law, employment law, driving and traffic matters, Care and Protection involvement (CYPS), debt and fines, and reporting crimes to the police. The lawyer can also help students to understand the laws around drugs and alcohol, sex and consent, and their rights when interacting with the police. To speak to the Legal Liaison Officer, you can drop by her office on campus at Erindale College on a Tuesday, or call or email her on the details below:
- Legal Aid Lawyer for Erindale College: Jodie Campbell
- Email: college@LegalAidACT.org.au
- Phone: (02) 6243 3431
- On Campus Office: Upstairs (level 2) next to the interview rooms (every second Tuesday in odd school weeks, 9am-4pm).
Please note that only students can 'drop in' without an appointment. Family members who would like free legal advice from the lawyer must make an appointment first.