In education, wellbeing is important for two reasons. The first is the recognition that schooling should not just be about academic outcomes but that it is about wellbeing of the ‘whole child’; the second is that students who have higher levels of wellbeing tend to have better cognitive outcomes at school.
We have many initiatives in place at Linden Park Primary School to help support student wellbeing.
Student Wellbeing Leader
At Linden Park Primary we have a full time Wellbeing Leader and Autism Inclusion Teacher, Mr David Molloy.
His primary responsibility is to assist students in their social and emotional growth. He collaborates closely with staff and families to recognise the unique needs of students and to create effective proactive strategies that enable them to acquire the necessary skills to thrive and be successful at school.
Additionally, he can provide guidance to families seeking external services that can support both you and your child.
If you have any concerns about your child, please feel free to reach out to him via the front office to arrange a meeting.
Student Support Services
Children and young people who need extra help can be referred to the Student Support Services team by their teacher.
Student Support Services include social workers, behaviour support coaches, psychologists, special educators, speech pathologists and provide support to children and teachers in state schools and preschools.
If your child’s teacher feels that your child is having difficulties they may engage with the Student Support Services team regarding these difficulties. Your teacher will discuss this with you and obtain your consent before making a formal request for support for your child. For more information feel free to speak to your class teacher, email the school or click here to visit the Department for Education Web page.
Pastoral Care Worker
In education, wellbeing is important for a number of reasons. One is the recognition that schooling should not just be about academic outcomes but that it is about wellbeing of the ‘whole child’; another is that students who have higher levels of wellbeing tend to have better cognitive outcomes at school.
The National Student Wellbeing Program (NSWP) is a voluntary program in schools. It is funded in South Australian schools through to 2027. The program is delivered by a Pastoral Care Worker (PCW) and it’s not a religious program and does not provide religious instruction or religious counselling to students. Click here for more information
The program:
- provides supports that focus on the social and emotional wellbeing of students
- complements the existing student wellbeing programs and services offered by schools.
Generally, Pastoral Care Workers support students by:
· developing positive wellbeing and optimism
· developing trust, respect and understanding of others
· building on self-esteem, confidence and communication skills
· working through problems encouraging positive life choices
· modelling and mentoring students with positive relationship development
· supporting the social and emotional wellbeing of students (friendship concerns, grief, conflict resolution, self-regulation, etc.)
· support school engagement of students in learning opportunities
· support the development of community engagement
· participate in and contribute to general school activities
Please click here to view a PCW frequently asked questions fact sheet.
Our New Pastoral Care Worker in 2025 is Vonnie Gooding.
What will the PCW do at Linden Park Primary School?
· Teachers are able to nominate students who they believe are at risk social or emotionally to the PCW or the school Student Well-being Leader. Generally, these students will present with concerns around having worries, anxiety, self-esteem issues or friendship concerns.
· PCW conversations with students will be solutions focused. Primarily PCW’s will provide an environment where students feel safe to talk about any concerns. All PCW’s have current DfE required training and certificates and will share any concerns with our Student Welling-being leader that need to be addressed with parents or to other Leadership staff.
· PCW’s are also aware of using pro-active strategies in developing social skills and to build students resilience.
· An EdSmart permission slip will be sent to all parents as an ‘opt-in’ to give permission to receive support from the PCW should their child need it.
If any parents would like to access PCW support for their child, please speak with your child’s teacher, enquire at the front office or send an email to dl.0647.info@schools.sa.edu.au. The Wellbeing Team will be more than happy to make contact with any parent who wishes to discuss their concerns about their child.
