MEMBER for Orange Phil Donato is so impressed with Forbes High’s Wellness Hub he will be making a Private Members’ Statement in NSW Parliament recognising what he has described as outstanding work conducted at Forbes High School.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On a tour of the facility earlier this week, Mr Donato complimented the high school’s new initiative as absolutely fantastic.
“I am super impressed – it’s a one stop shop for the wellness and wellbeing of not only students, but their family members as well.
“There’s a whole array of support agencies and services really looking after the best interests of students and also their family members and I think it is absolutely fantastic,” he said.
The Wellness Hub is a partnership between Forbes High School and local services to support students and families' wellbeing.
The school currently offers 16 services and professional support programs delivered by eight community service providers. It also connects students to the school youth worker, counsellor, Aboriginal Education Officers and chaplain.
“I think it’s a great prototype. Schools have their challenges and students have particular challenges – whether it’s home life or anxiety over their HSC, they are dealing with all sorts of issues and it’s fantastic that they’re able to go to a safe place, in the school, discretely and be able to get expert professional advice at the drop of a hat.”
Mr Donato gave full credit to Forbes High School for getting the initiative off the ground.
“It’s a holistic approach to what is a community asset. It widely affects the greater community and especially in regional towns, where it is sometimes difficult to have access to these services on a daily basis, it’s an absolutely fantastic option to have it based at the school to be here ready to assist the students and their family members.”
Student David Chu believes the Hub is a great benefit for Forbes High students.
“It really helps everyone here ... anyone who has problems at home.
“It’s about venting, getting things off their chest and provides a clearer perspective on things so students are not so hung up on things,” he said.
Forbes High School’s Deputy Principal Jason Nottingham said the Hub was an excellent example of Gonski funding being used effectively to support all students.
“We also secured some pilot funding from the department office in Orange – without that we would not have been able to get this off the ground.
“Kids know they can come here, talk to someone about it and be supported. That’s what it’s all about – it’s about making them feel supported so they can just go back to class and learn,” he said.
