Student Support in Tamworth

Learning Support

The Learning Support team implement programs for students who require additional personal or academic support. Staff work closely with classroom teachers to ensure that identified students are fully and realistically integrated into the regular classroom, while also making provision for the withdrawal of these students for specialist teaching.

The Learning Support team pursues and enjoys a close working relationship with the parents of identified students. Meetings are organised between a student’s parents and teachers, and there is ongoing management of the close link between home and school to ensure good communication and planning.

INDEPENDENT LEARNING PROGRAM
Carinya’s Independent Learning Program helps students engage with and explore God’s world by providing students in Years 3 to 10 with extended learning opportunities. Students are involved in completing individual and group work projects aimed at developing skills such as creative thinking, investigation, planning, problem-solving, and presentation.

Students in Years 3-8 who are part of the Independent Learning Program (ILP) spend two lessons each week in a small group environment, working on extended learning tasks guided by the ILP teacher.

To cater to their academic needs, students in Years 9 and 10 who would benefit from extended learning opportunities are identified and targeted for individual and group-based external tasks and competitions.

A Carinya Senior student helping a Prep student during a design and technology class inside a classroom at Carinya Christian School, Tamworth
A teacher and a Middle School student smiling at each other while working on a project together in a middle school classroom at Carinya Christian School, Tamworth.
Two junior school girls standing outside in the Junior School Playground at Carinya Christian School, Tamworth.

Wellbeing Support

REFERRALS TO WELLBEING STAFF
Students in Years 7-12 in Tamworth can ask their pastoral care teacher to speak with our school counsellor, Mrs Carter. Parents can also refer on their child's behalf by contacting the relevant Stage Advisor.

COUNSELLING
We recognise that mental health and well-being are significant concerns that impact a student’s capacity to engage in their education. Carinya’s Wellbeing Team helps meet these concerns by providing counselling, referrals and support within our Christian Framework.

PASTORAL CARE
The Pastoral Care program runs across all year groups from Kindergarten upwards, with teachers providing care and support for students in their classes. Teachers take time to read the Bible and pray with students each day, presenting Jesus as Lord and King. The program seeks to develop character traits from a biblical perspective and help students become people of integrity, faithfulness and service, in thankfulness to the Lord Jesus.

HEALTH CARE
Carinya’s Health Care Coordinator cares for students with various medical needs, be it on occasional visits to sick bay or regular medical care. The Health Care Coordinator works with parents to create Health Care Plans needed to keep children safe at school or on excursions.

Three junior school boys outside on a large sports oval at Carinya Christian School, Tamworth.
A Junior School student working on a project in a junior school classroom at Carinya Christian School, Tamworth.
A Carinya student in a school uniform at Carinya Christian School, Tamworth.
Junior school boy outside in the Junior School Playground at Carinya Christian School, Tamworth.
A woman wearing glasses and a black polo shirt with the logo and name "Carinya Christian School" smiling at the camera.

Emma Gower

Health Care Coordinator
gowere@carinya.nsw.edu.au

A woman with long brown hair, glasses, and a colorful patterned shirt smiling in front of a gray and black background.

Erin Carter

Tamworth Counsellor
cartererin@carinya.nsw.edu.au

Portrait of a woman with long dark hair, wearing an orange blouse with small floral patterns and colorful earrings, smiling against a gradient background.

Sarah taylor

Psychologist
taylors@carinya.nsw.edu.au

Portrait of a smiling woman with short brown hair, glasses, wearing a pink sweater and a silver necklace with a round pendant.

Melinda Attard

Play Therapy
attardm@carinya.nsw.edu.au

Mental Health

Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realises their own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to their community (World Health Organisation).

Mental illnesses are common in the Australian community. A national survey in 2007 found that 1 in 5 people had a common mental illness at some time during the previous 12 months. Half of all people who experience a mental illness have their first episode by the age of 18.

The information provided via links and the support from the listed ‘helplines’ are designed to give students and parents access to a range of services. Early intervention (including visiting a doctor) and support are critical to achieving the best mental health outcomes.

At Carinya, if any student presents with symptoms of a mental health illness, appropriate support will be given, and parents (in all but exceptional circumstances) will be notified. ‘Home and school together’ can be a powerful tool to help students experiencing a mental health condition. Referrals to professional support services will also be investigated and recommended by the school.

Junior school girls standing outside in the undercover basketball courts at Carinya Christian School, Tamworth.
A young boy with short hair and a wide smile, wearing a red and black shirt, sitting in a library with shelves of books behind him.
Two young boys wearing white school shirts and wide-brimmed gray hats with the word 'Carinya' on them, standing outdoors with trees and a yellow object in the background.

Links & Helplines

Reach Out | Headspace | Kids Helpline | Beyond Blue

Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
Suicide call back service: 1300 659 467
Beyondblue support services: 1300 659 467
Headspace Tamworth (15-25 years): 6762 9290
Lifeline 24-hour counselling: 13 11 14
Psychiatric Emergency Centre: 1800 655 085
Tamworth Base Hospital: 6767 7700
The Butterfly Foundation: 1800 334 673

Junior school girls standing outside in the undercover basketball courts at Carinya Christian School, Tamworth.
A young male teacher assisting a young student with a laptop in a classroom. Other students are in the background.