At Daylesford College, we’re all about making sure our students feel their best. We know that when kids feel happy, supported, and valued, they’re able to reach their full potential. That’s why student wellbeing is a big deal for us! Our approach is all-encompassing, taking into account not only academics and physical health, but also the social, emotional, and mental wellbeing of our students. We’ve got lots of resources in place to help our students, including counseling services, peer support programs, and wellness workshops. Our staff is awesome and they really care about our students, working closely with each student and their family to make sure everyone has the support they need. At Daylesford College, we believe that feeling good is just as important as doing well, and we’re dedicated to creating a safe and supportive community where every student can thrive!
At Daylesford College, we proudly stand as the only secondary school in Hepburn Shire dedicated to leading the way in student health and wellbeing. Our multidisciplinary team delivers holistic, person-centred care, ensuring every student’s physical, mental, and emotional needs are met. Through strong partnerships with community-based health services, we bridge the gap for rural families, providing seamless access to high-quality healthcare directly from our school, making wellbeing a cornerstone of our community.
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Restorative Practices
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At Daylesford College, we have a whole school approach that encourages behaviour that is supportive and respectful. We understand that we need to be truly accountable for our behaviour and to repair any harm caused to others because of our actions.
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School Wide Positive Behaviours
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At Daylesford College, our staff and students use a common language to discuss behaviour. We have clearly defined a set of expected behaviours, taught and modelled by students and staff alike.
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Bully Stoppers
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If you experience bullying or know of someone being bullied then you can report it here https://forms.office.com/r/S2bs45G7ps.The information you submit will remain confidential. Ms Franc (Head of Wellbeing) will get a copy and will then act on it.
The Wellbeing Centre
At Daylesford College, our commitment to student wellbeing is unmatched. The Wellbeing Centre is a vibrant hub where a dedicated multidisciplinary team of health and wellbeing professionals work daily to provide comprehensive support tailored to each student’s unique needs. We extend this care beyond students, offering vital support and guidance to parents and carers as well.
Our integrated services and health professionals include:
Mental Health Practitioner
Secondary School Nurse
Youth Engagement Officer
Springs Medical Youth Wellness GP Clinic
Central Highlands Rural Health Allied Health Services
Enhancing Mental Health Support in School (EMHSS) Headspace Program
Art Therapy
Psychology
Social Work
Counselling
Dietitian
Alcohol & Other Drugs Youth Outreach
Speech Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Together, this team creates a nurturing environment where students can thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally — all within the supportive walls of their school community.
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Live4Life
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Daylesford College is proud to be the Lead Organisation for Live4Life in the Hepburn Shire, championing youth mental health and wellbeing across our community. As part of this nationally recognised, place-based mental health initiative, we deliver Teen Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training annually to all students in Year 8 and Year 10, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to support themselves and their peers.
Students in Year 9 are invited to join the Live4Life Crew—a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills, grow their understanding of mental health, and become passionate advocates for positive mental health both within the school and across the broader Hepburn community.
This program is a powerful example of how we embed mental health literacy and leadership into the heart of our school culture.
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Drum Beat
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The Drum Beat InRhythm program is a therapeutic activity that promotes team building and mental health through rhythm and drumming. Our trained staff facilitate this popular program with a particular focus on supporting Year 7 Transition and the Junior School.
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Peaceful Kids
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The ‘Peaceful Kids’ program is a Mindfulness and Positive Psychology based program to lessen anxiety and stress and increase resilience in children. This program helps children to build their emotional resilience so they are better equipped to deal with the day to day stresses that life brings them.
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Kalamunda
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Kalamunda is popular program offered to all students in the middle years. The course is facilitated by our Mental Health Practitioner and Secondary School Nurse, it is multifaceted and explores topics such as effective communication, self awareness, empathy and integrates the Department of Education’s Respectful Relationships Program.
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Coaching Young People for Success
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Coaching Young People for Success involves a structured approach to personal, academic, and career development. It aims to enhance student wellbeing, resilience, and ability to achieve their goals. It is a program that targeted towards our middle and senior students.
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Art With Heart
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Art with Heart supports students to develop social connectedness, build understanding of self and others and creates a sense of belonging. Guide by our school-based Art Therapist, students are encouraged to get creative and are supported to use a variety of different methods to safely express themselves.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Come and see the College in action with a personal tour of the school with one of our leadership team