Student Wellbeing
Health and wellbeing are at the very heart of everything we do at Toorak College. The foundation of all that we teach is centred around providing a high quality education in the best learning environment for our students to thrive in.
Toorak College’s Wellbeing Philosophy
We see every relationship and interaction across the School as an opportunity to provide a positive student experience, which in turn, becomes part of our wellbeing philosophy. We do not implicitly teach wellbeing, rather the value of wellbeing is ingrained into every aspect of school life on a daily basis.
Our health and wellbeing initiatives enable students to gather a sense of clarity, to set and achieve positive goals and make responsible decisions, to be able to cope with the challenges presented to them and to enhance their physical, social, emotional, mental and spiritual dimensions.
Whole School Wellbeing Initiatives
Our girls’ mental and physical health are our utmost priority here at Toorak. Across the School we have wellbeing time every morning in order for our students to best mentally prepare for the day ahead. At lunch, our students are able to participate in Art or Reading Clubs, and our Junior School students take part in our Kindness Club. After school we offer a range of co-curricular opportunities to foster connections among year levels including a Prep - Year 6 outdoor Ball Skills clinic and the Toorak Academy of Performing Arts (TAPA).
As students gain greater independence and enter Year 7, they track and monitor their own personal growth and development via the Flourishing program, where they set their own health and wellbeing goals and are provided with support and guidance in how they work towards these goals. At all points of the day, we ensure our students have their wellbeing regarded in various ways. The graphic below shows the different support systems on offer for every student:
The Toorak College Wellbeing Framework
Student wellbeing is supported through a connected network of people, programs and resources across the school. Rather than a single initiative, our framework brings together multiple layers of guidance, care and expertise so every student feels supported and empowered to thrive. This is what our approach looks like:
Wellbeing Tutorials
Regular dedicated time where students work with educators to build self-awareness, develop emotional literacy and learn practical strategies for managing challenges, relationships and personal growth.
Wellness Centre
A welcoming space students can access throughout the day for support and reset when they need it.
Mental Health First Aid Accredited Staff
Trained staff across the school who can recognise early signs of difficulty and provide informed, compassionate support.
School Psychologist and Counsellor
Qualified professionals available to support students’ social and emotional wellbeing, mental health and personal development.
School Nurse
Onsite health support to assist with medical needs, physical wellbeing and preventative care.
Deputy Head of Senior School – Personal Growth
Mrs Jenna Green is our Head of Senior School – Personal Growth. The Heads of the Year provide targeted pastoral care on the year-level.
Flourishing Surveys and Support Plans
Structured wellbeing tracking that helps students set goals, reflect on progress and access personalised support.
Diversity and Inclusion Committee
A student-focused initiative that promotes belonging, respect and a strong sense of community across the school.
Mental Health First Aid Course for Families
Workshops that equip parents and carers with practical skills and knowledge to support young people’s mental health at home.