This Term we have been joined by two new Student Support Officers, Jo Edwards and Rebecca Lynagh Galvin. Both Jo and Rebecca come to us with a wealth of experience supporting young people and their families.
This is part of a broader revamp of Student Services that will help us connect with Government and external agencies so that we can provide additional support to our school community.
Jo and Rebecca will be part of a new team within Student Services to support the social and emotional needs of our students and help with issues related to mental health, along with assisting with our Pastoral Care program.
New office space is being developed which will house our Year Coordinators, who will be available to help students deal with any behavioural, educational or attendance issues.
Principal Alen Kursar said this new team will also help support teaching and learning here at Safety Bay Senior High School.
“Our teachers need to do be able to do what they were trained for and that is to teach.
“We want to see a clear focus on improved learning in the classroom and this new team will enable us to work with families to best support the mental health and wellbeing of our students, freeing up teachers to focus on teaching and learning across our school,” Mr Kursar said.
Head of Student Services Dwayne White said it was an exciting change for the Student Services team.
“We are looking forward to increasing our capacity to provide extra support and services for our school community and encourage any of our students or families to get in touch with us if you need assistance with any school issues,” Mr White said.
We are in the process of transitioning to this new system and plan to have this in place to start the new school year in 2022. If you would like to know more please get in touch with our Student Services team via email to [email protected]
Head of Student Services Dwayne White with new Student Support Officer Jo Edwards 
New office space being created to house our Year Coordinators
I think it’s amazing that the school has responded so swiftly to the growing needs of its students. The range of expertise to address the broad & specific issues facing us all is heart warming.
I agree with Mr Kursers statement that teachers need to be able to teach and commend them for bearing the extension of their role to include the support that has been needed. And I think it’s important to acknowledge that the impact of the multiple traumatic events, affects them as it does us all.
Having had 3 children attend SBSHS, I have seen the adaptation, development & vast improvement of the school across the board(teachers, student services, Ed support, Psych & even the admin staff).
This is not to say there weren’t people in those areas doing a fantastic job because at times they made all the difference!
However when ‘some’ are working to the best of their ability it is difficult to make progress. Now I think it is evident there is a cohesiveness and common focus.
Mr Kurser you have shown great leadership in an extraordinary time. It is clear from an observers point of view that the humbleness & leading from within acknowledging the strengths of your team is working. Thank you to you all.