Student Support in Gunnedah

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.

A Carinya student inside A Junior School classroom at Carinya Christian School, Gunnedah.
A Teacher and Student working together in the junior school outdoor area at Carinya Christian School, Gunnedah.

Wellbeing Support

REFERRALS TO WELLBEING STAFF
Students in Years 7-12 in Gunnedah can ask their pastoral care teacher to speak with our school counsellor, Mrs Cappellin. Parents can 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.

A Teacher and Students reading together in the school Library at Carinya Christian School, Gunnedah.
A Prep Student sitting outside of the Prep classroom at Carinya Christian School, Gunnedah.
Two smiling students sitting together on a couch inside the Carinya Christian School, Gunnedah Library.

Melanie Cappellin

Wellbeing Counsellor
cappellinm@carinya.nsw.edu.au

A smiling woman with curly brown hair wearing a red top and layered necklace.

Sarah Taylor

Psychologist
taylors@carinya.nsw.edu.au

A woman with long brown hair, blue eyes, and earrings, smiling, wearing an orange top with small white floral patterns.

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.

Two young girls wearing red school uniforms smiling and standing close with their arms around each other, outdoors at a school.
A smiling boy in a white school uniform and gray hat, with other children in similar uniforms and hats in the background.
A young boy with light brown hair wearing a red and black shirt, sitting at a desk, writing with a pencil during a classroom activity.

Links & Helplines

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

Teacher or instructor assisting students in a classroom with a world map of Australia in the background. The students are wearing red uniforms with school logos, and one student is using a Chromebook.
Two young girls sitting on a couch, smiling at the camera, wearing school uniforms with jackets.