WELLBEING at BSC
At Bundoora Secondary College, we are committed to creating inclusive learning environments where every student feels a strong sense of belonging, is recognised as an individual, and is treated with respect by both peers and staff. We believe that when students feel connected and valued, they are empowered to thrive and reach their full potential.
At the heart of our wellbeing approach is the Japanese concept of Ikigai—a sense of purpose and meaning in life. We support students in discovering what drives them, what they love, and how they can contribute to the world around them. This focus on purpose helps students build resilience, motivation, and a deeper connection to their learning journey.
Our whole-school wellbeing framework is grounded in authentic relationships and a natural, community-driven approach. Wellbeing is not an add-on—it is woven into the fabric of our teaching and learning. We guide students to develop and harness their inner strengths and capabilities to successfully navigate stress and uncertainty and see challenges as opportunities to grow, learn and move forward. We actively teach young people the skills and strategies to take ownership of their own wellbeing, empowering them to make informed choices, build positive relationships, and develop lifelong habits that support their mental, emotional, and social health.
PAL Program
A Foundation of wellbeing, connection and growth
The PAL program is a cornerstone of Bundoora Secondary College’s commitment to fostering a strong sense of community, student wellbeing, and academic growth. Every student at Bundoora is assigned a PAL mentor, who serves as a consistent and trusted adult throughout their school journey—often staying with the same group from Entry (Year 7) through to graduation.
Purpose and Philosophy
The PAL program is designed to be a holistic and relational model that integrates academic coaching, wellbeing support, and pathway planning. It is not a standalone initiative but is deeply embedded in the daily life and culture of the school. The PAL teacher acts as a mentor, advocate, and liaison between the student, their family, and the broader school community.
Students are encouraged to see their PAL group as their “school family”, where they build strong, supportive relationships with peers and staff. This sense of belonging is central to the school’s vision of inclusive education and aligns with Bundoora’s values of Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, Relationships, and Rigour.
At Bundoora Secondary College, we are committed to creating inclusive learning environments where every student feels a strong sense of belonging, is recognised as an individual, and is treated with respect by both peers and staff. We believe that when students feel connected and valued, they are empowered to thrive and reach their full potential.​
Purpose and Philosophy
PAL sessions are structured to support students in:
• Developing Individual Education Learning Plans
• Engaging in social and emotional learning
• Building leadership and teamwork skills
• Exploring career and pathway planning
• Enhancing self-management and wellbeing.
The program program includes regular one-on-one check-ins between students and their PAL mentors, who guide them in setting and achieving personalised goals. PAL also incorporates elements of student voice and agency, encouraging young people to take ownership of their learning and wellbeing.
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Enhanced Support
We recognise that while our relational and inclusive approach to wellbeing supports most students through natural, embedded connections, there are times when young people may require additional, tailored support. In these moments, we activate a coordinated network of support services to ensure that no student feels alone in their journey (see BSC Student Services Guide).
With the individual learning plan at the center our Student Services team solution-focused interventions and mentoring that address a wide range of challenges—whether they stem from school, family, or personal circumstances. This support is not separate from learning; it is an essential part of our whole-school wellbeing framework, which is grounded in authentic relationships and a belief in every student’s potential. Aligned with our focus on ikigai—the pursuit of purpose—we also empower students to take ownership of their own wellbeing. Through explicit teaching and ongoing guidance, we help young people develop the skills, confidence, and self-awareness needed to navigate life’s challenges and make positive, informed choices for their future.
Supporting our Families
At Bundoora Secondary College, we believe that strong partnerships between school and home are essential to the success and wellbeing of our students. As an inclusive school community, we value the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our families and recognise the vital role they play in shaping the learning and development of young people.
Wellbeing doesn’t stop at the school gate. Just as a parent’s encouragement can inspire a love of learning, their understanding of wellbeing can empower their children to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. That’s why we actively involve families in our whole-school approach to wellbeing.
Through our PAL program, we offer a range of opportunities for families to engage with and support their child’s wellbeing journey. These include online seminars, in-person workshops, and community forums that provide practical strategies for navigating adolescence, managing stress and anxiety, and fostering positive relationships.
Past programs have included sessions on "Cyber Safety", “Tuning into Teens,” and supporting children through stress and change. At Bundoora, we see learning and wellbeing as a shared responsibility—one that unites students, staff, and families in a collective effort to nurture confident, compassionate, and capable young people.