Our Student Wellbeing Officer at QACI is Mitch Verco from Community Connections youth support team. Mitch is onsite at QACI Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday.
The Student Wellbeing Officer works within a team from Community Connections that provides support to young people at risk of school disengagement and homelessness. This is done through a combination of emotional support, providing information, and skill-building aimed at helping students work towards their personal goals. At QACI, the role has centred around early intervention, supporting students facing challenges in both their wellbeing and academic engagement.
QACI's Student Wellbeing Officer, Mitch, has a support approach which focuses on building strong relationships and provides tailored, student-centred support to each student's unique needs and learning styles.
Mitch has created a structured framework for student support sessions to guide students through their challenges and goals:
1) Relationship building: I aim to create a safe and comfortable space for students to talk openly. I want to help students feel heard, valued & understood. Incorporating humour and interest-based discussions helps to build trust, so that when a more serious conversation is needed I may be an approachable person.
2) Holistic wellbeing: I support students not just with their academics but with their emotional and mental health. This includes exploring their life outside of school, identifying emotions, addressing unmet needs, and placing an importance on self-care and its impact on study.
3) Goal setting & motivation: I encourage students to set realistic, achievable goals and encourage them to develop small sustainable habits. I focus on building a flexible mindset and discuss self-expectations while planning for their future.
4) Executive functioning & study skills development: I offer guidance on organisation, time management, and creating effective study strategies that suit their learning style. I help students break tasks into small chunks and manage distractions to improve their focus.
5) Youth service connection & casework – I collaborate with the Community Connections team for ideas to support students with things like finance, housing, relationships, mental health, and community referrals.