Wellbeing
At Maitland High School, student wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. Our tiered wellbeing framework ensures every student receives the right level of support at the right time. Through whole-school wellbeing programs, targeted small group interventions and personalised individual support, we work in partnership with students, families and external agencies to foster resilience, strengthen connections and support every student to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
How we support student wellbeing
Supporting each student’s mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing is part of everyday school life.
We do this through:
- teachers who help students feel welcome and included
- access to school counsellors, school psychologists and specialist staff
- programs that support health, social skills, attendance and positive behaviour
- help for students who are new or changing year levels
- clear expectations for behaviour and respectful relationships
- staff who get to know each child and work closely with families
- developing health care plans for students
- open communication about wellbeing and support.
Visit Our principal and staff to learn about our wellbeing and specialist support staff.
Whole School Wellbeing Programs
The Backflips Against Bullying program is an innovative initiative that combines parkour and acrobatics with educational content to engage students in discussions about bullying. Supported by psychologist Evelyn M. Field, OAM, the program aims to raise awareness and promote anti-bullying messages through high-energy performances. The program has been successfully implemented in various schools across Australia, providing students with life-changing discussions and practical insights into the impact of bullying.
Love Bites is a Respectful Relationships Education program for young people aged 15-17. The program is built on a trauma-responsive framework, shaped by research with ACU and guided by the lived experiences of young survivors. It is designed to create a safe space for young people to explore respectful relationships, using a strengths-based approach that empowers them to participate, build skills, and make informed choices.
The Goodfellas program is a key component of Enlighten Education's wellbeing program, designed to support boys aged 6 to 18. The program aims to help boys build strong relationships, advocate for themselves and others, and challenge masculinity myths through evidence-based learning, discussions, and group activities.
The Butterfly Effect workshops by Enlighten Education are designed to empower girls by helping them find their voice, build connections, and develop positive personal wellbeing behaviors. These workshops cover a range of topics such as positive friendships, conflict resolution, positive body image, gratitude, staying safe, resilience, and self-esteem. They aim to build a sense of belonging and connection, providing tools and resources to help girls navigate their journeys through school while building resilience and self-esteem.
ROADwhyz is an engaging road safety education program designed to help young people make informed, responsible decisions as they begin driving. Through powerful real-life stories shared by emergency service personnel, road safety experts and families affected by road trauma, students gain a deeper understanding of the choices they make behind the wheel and the lifelong consequences those choices can have. The program empowers students with the knowledge, awareness and confidence to become safer, more responsible drivers and passengers, supporting their transition to independent road users.
Red Frogs is an interactive education program that equips students with the knowledge and practical strategies to make safe, informed decisions in social settings as they approach the end of their schooling. Through engaging discussions and real-life experiences, students explore topics such as alcohol and drug awareness, peer pressure, consent, drink spiking and safe partying. The program empowers young people to look after themselves and others, helping them confidently navigate the challenges of celebrations and life beyond school.
Targeted Small-Group Wellbeing Programs
Seasons for Growth is a small-group education program designed to support young people who have experienced significant changes or losses, such as family separation, bereavement, relocation, illness, or the impacts of war and natural disasters. The program aims to foster emotional literacy, resilience, and social wellbeing by providing a safe environment for participants to explore their feelings and learn coping strategies.
iRespect is a small group program for boys that encourages positive conversations about respect, healthy relationships and positive masculinity. Through interactive activities and guided discussion, students explore topics such as empathy, communication, consent, gender stereotypes and respectful behaviour. The program empowers young men to build confidence, develop positive relationships and become respectful leaders within their school and community.
Tree of Life is a strengths-based wellbeing program that helps students build resilience, confidence and a positive sense of identity. Through guided storytelling, creative activities and reflection, students explore their strengths, values, relationships and hopes for the future in a safe and supportive environment. The program encourages students to recognise their own capabilities, strengthen connections with others and develop practical strategies to navigate life's challenges with confidence.
Transition Connections is a small group wellbeing program designed and facilitated by our School Support Officer (SSO) to support Year 7 students who may benefit from additional assistance during their first year of high school. Through engaging activities and regular check-ins, students build confidence, develop friendships and strengthen their sense of belonging within the school community. The program also helps students become familiar with the wide range of wellbeing supports available at Maitland High School, empowering them to navigate high school with confidence and make a successful transition.
Need support for your child's wellbeing?
Get in touch to talk about the right support for your child.
Additional Resources
Headspace Maitland and eHeadspace provide free and confidential mental health support for young people aged 12–25. Their services include counselling, mental health support, physical and sexual health, alcohol and other drug support, and assistance with work and study. At Maitland High School, we work collaboratively with students, families and headspace to ensure young people receive the support they need. With the consent of the student and their family, our wellbeing team can assist by making referrals to Headspace Maitland or eHeadspace, helping students access timely support and remain engaged in their learning and wellbeing.
Be You is Australia's national mental health in education initiative, supporting schools to create positive, inclusive and mentally healthy learning environments. At Maitland High School, the Be You framework guides our whole-school approach to wellbeing by helping staff build positive relationships, strengthen resilience and promote mental health across our school community. Through evidence-informed practices, early intervention and strong partnerships with families, Be You supports every student to feel safe, connected and ready to learn.
ReachOut is Australia's leading online mental health and wellbeing service for young people and their parents and carers. It provides free, evidence-based information, practical tools and self-help resources to support young people through challenges such as stress, anxiety, friendships, school, relationships and life changes.
eSafety Commissioner is Australia's national online safety regulator, providing trusted advice, education and resources to help young people stay safe online. The eSafety Commissioner supports students, parents and schools with practical information on topics including cyberbullying, online abuse, privacy, social media, gaming and digital wellbeing. At Maitland High School, we encourage students and families to access eSafety resources to build safe online habits, develop digital resilience and confidently navigate the online world.
Kids Helpline is Australia's free, confidential counselling service for young people aged 5–25. Available 24 hours a day via phone, webchat and email, Kids Helpline provides professional support for a wide range of concerns, including mental health, friendships, family relationships, bullying, school pressures and emotional wellbeing.
Mental Health Line is a free NSW Government telephone service providing access to professional mental health support and advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Staffed by experienced mental health clinicians, the service offers assessment, support, information and referrals for people experiencing a mental health concern or crisis, as well as guidance for families and carers.
Parent Line NSW is a free and confidential telephone counselling and support service for parents and carers of children from birth to 18 years. Experienced counsellors provide practical advice and guidance on parenting, child development, behaviour, wellbeing, school-related concerns and family relationships.
Additional learning support
Find out how we support students with disability or additional learning needs.
Our principal and staff
Get to know our principal and staff, who work together to create a positive school culture.