Wellbeing Support
Supporting Student Wellbeing
At Villa Maria College, we are committed to fostering the wellbeing (hauora) of all students, aligned with the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Education and Training Act 2020. Our whole-school approach ensures that every student can learn and thrive in a safe, inclusive environment that is free from discrimination, racism, and bullying. We have high aspirations for each student, working collaboratively with their families/whānau to provide support that is culturally responsive and meets their individual needs.
Whole-School Wellbeing Approach
Our approach to student wellbeing is embedded in our school systems and is integral to our success. We recognise that a student’s wellbeing influences their ability to learn and succeed. Villa Maria College integrates wellbeing through the following:
- Curriculum: Including mental and physical health education aligned with The New Zealand Curriculum.
- Culture, Environment, and Values: Creating an inclusive and positive school climate.
- Vision and Strategic Priorities: Ensuring the school’s wellbeing vision is reflected in our strategy.
- Policies and Procedures: Guiding our response to wellbeing issues.
- Support Systems: Providing multiple avenues for student support.
- Community Engagement: Partnering with families/whānau and community health providers to extend support beyond the school.
We support students in developing skills, knowledge, values, and key competencies aligned with The New Zealand Curriculum or Te Marautanga o Aotearoa. Our policies guide wellbeing support, including processes for students with health conditions or high needs. Behaviour management promotes positive behaviour and addresses issues like bullying, while digital policies ensure a safe online environment. Staff receive training in cultural competence and wellbeing, working collaboratively with whānau to provide appropriate support. We encourage parents to share relevant information to help us better support their child’s wellbeing.
Health Support from a School Nurse
An essential component of our whole-school wellbeing approach is the involvement of a registered School Nurse, who works in collaboration with school staff to support students’ physical and mental health. The School Nurse offers a proactive, whole-school response to student wellbeing by:
- Providing health assessments and first aid in response to immediate health needs.
- Managing long-term health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or mental health concerns.
- Referring students to appropriate health services when needed.
- Promoting preventive health education to students, staff, and the wider school community.
- Offering a safe, confidential space for students to discuss health concerns.
- Working with teachers and staff to support students with high needs and chronic conditions.
- Collaborating with whānau, GPs, and external health providers to ensure continuity of care.
As part of their role, the School Nurse may also be a Registered Nurse Prescriber, following the Guideline for Registered Nurses Prescribing in Community Health. This allows the nurse to prescribe medications for certain common conditions, including pain relief and skin infections, ensuring timely access to treatment for students. For students under 16, parental consent will be required before administering any prescribed medication. Prescribing practices are governed by clinical guidelines and are regularly reviewed to ensure safe, effective care.
How We Support Student Wellbeing
Our comprehensive wellbeing approach includes:
Pastoral Care
All staff at Villa Maria College play a role in supporting the wellbeing of students. Students are placed into ako groups, where their ako teacher is the first point of contact for both students and parents. Heads of House are responsible for the overall wellbeing of students in each year level, with additional support from our two school guidance counsellors.
School Nurse
The School Nurse is available during school hours to assess health concerns, administer medication as outlined in the registered nurse guidelines, and provide ongoing support for students with medical conditions.
Guidance Counsellors
Our counsellors are available to help students navigate challenges related to mental and emotional health, providing support through both individual and group sessions.
Training and Professional Development
Staff are trained to recognize and respond to wellbeing concerns, including mental health issues and challenging behaviour.
Community Partnerships
We work with external health professionals, including psychologists, GPs, and whānau, to offer coordinated and culturally appropriate care.
Responding to Wellbeing Concerns
Villa Maria College takes a structured approach to responding to wellbeing concerns. When staff identify a concern, they follow our procedures for referring students to the School Nurse, guidance counsellors, or external services. We work closely with families to ensure the best possible support is provided.
This overview aligns with the school’s Student Wellbeing Policy and the NELP Objective 1: Learners at the Centre.