Student wellbeing
At Bundoora Secondary College, we are dedicated to fostering inclusive learning environments where every student feels a genuine sense of belonging, is valued as an individual, and is treated with respect by both peers and staff. When students feel connected and appreciated, they are empowered to thrive and achieve their full potential.
At the heart of our wellbeing approach is the Japanese concept of IKIGAI, to develop 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 community-driven approach. Wellbeing 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 wellbeing, empowering them to make informed choices, build positive relationships, and develop lifelong habits that support their mental, emotional, and social health.
PAL
The PAL program is BSC’s commitment to fostering a strong sense of community, student wellbeing, and academic growth. Every student at BSC 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.
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 mentor acts as an 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.
PAL sessions are structured to support students in:
Developing Individual Education Plans (IEP)
Engaging in social and emotional learning
Building leadership and teamwork skills
Exploring career and pathway planning
Enhancing self-management and wellbeing.
PAL 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.
Enhanced support
While our relational and inclusive approach to wellbeing supports most students, there are times when young people may require additional, tailored support. In these moments, we activate a coordinated network of supportive Student Services to ensure that no student feels alone on their journey.
Individual Education Plans (IEP) are at the centre our 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 students to develop the skills, confidence, and self-awareness needed to navigate life’s challenges and make positive, informed choices for their future.
For a deeper understanding of our inclusive wellbeing framework, we invite you to explore our approaches to Demand Avoidance and Neurodiversity. These resources highlight our commitment to evidence-informed, strengths-based practices that reflect our dedication to fostering an environment where all students can thrive.
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. 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 or carer’s encouragement can inspire a love of learning, their understanding of wellbeing can empower their student to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. That’s why we actively involve families in our whole-school approach to wellbeing.
Through the PAL program, we offer a range of opportunities for families to engage with and support their student’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 BSC, 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.