For young people who already experience some anxiety or who are more emotionally vulnerable, this period of uncertainty is likely to be particularly unsettling.  Consideration has therefore been given to how our current support structures within the School can assist these students moving into the Distance Learning Model.

Please note that whilst we remain committed to supporting all our students, the Pastoral Care team (which includes the School Psychologist) will have limited capacity during this time.  However, if you have concerns about your child’s wellbeing please follow the usual procedure of making initial contact with either the classroom teacher/PCG tutor.  If needed they will then follow our usual internal referral processes.  

If you are concerned about your child’s safety, please be aware that an online pastoral care service is not appropriate for your child.  In this instance please contact your GP or the Mental Health Emergency Response Line (1300 555 788). In the case of an emergency dial 000.  

A referral for pastoral care counselling and/or the School Psychologist may be determined to be appropriate.  Please note however, that if at any time the School Psychologist or a member of the Pastoral Care team has significant concerns about the risk of harm to a student, and a parent or guardian cannot be contacted, external agencies may be contacted to manage the risk (including Police, ambulance and/or Department of Families, Child Protection and Family Support).  

Counselling services will be provided using the online platform Microsoft Teams (for those with St Mark’s email addresses). All appointments will be booked in advance via email and will be provided Monday-Friday during school hours.  Online appointments will be limited in duration and this will be determined based on need (this will be communicated to both the student and parent as applicable).  

Online IT disruptions are a consideration.  If a session is disrupted and the student is unable to reengage on the video chat then that an email will be sent to them regarding a time to reconnect.  Should the staff member have concerns for the child’s wellbeing their parent will be contacted immediately.  

Students who are currently engaged with the School Psychologist at the time of shutdown will be offered counselling only if it is a suitable option.  

Alternatively, please see additional services below.  There is also a list of Psychologists in the local area, available on the school website, to whom you can be referred via a GP Mental Health Plan who can then liaise with the School Psychologist as required.   

Emergency Contact Numbers:  

In an emergency dial 000.  

Mental Health Emergency Response Line 1300 555 788  [for children under 18 and families; 24 hours]

Crisis Care Line [DFCPFS] 9223 1111 or 1800 199 008 

Perth Children’s Hospital 6456 2222