Pastoral care has been a significant part of the support network at Hawthorndene Primary School for many years. It provides an immediate in-school link to well-being support for students and staff within the school community. Pastoral care workers (PCWs) are not qualified to provide an official counselling or psychology service within the school, instead they play a support and referral role and have knowledge about various services or groups that they feel would best support your child’s needs. PCWs promote student wellbeing, engage young people in activities that are preventative and support early intervention and referral of mental health issues. Having a PCW deepens our capacity as a school to value the emotional health of our students and in turn create greater learning outcomes. We know that when children feel safe emotionally they are more likely to face challenges with resilience.

Eden Hyde is Hawthorndene’s Pastoral Care Worker. Eden has a background working with young people in various settings, and has worked as a program coordinator for ‘at risk’ children through camps and programs. She understands the importance of wellbeing on learning and is passionate about fostering an environment that allows young people to become the best version of themselves. She has a Bachelor of Criminal Justice with additional Youth Work, Mental Health and Outdoor Education qualifications.

Eden provides 1:1 wellbeing support, group support, assists students to run clubs at lunch and recess, and supports our various wellbeing programs. The Pastoral Care Worker puts emphasis on seeking out advice and support from other professionals in order to provide the most relevant care to our students at HPS.

If you feel as though you or your child would benefit from some extra well-being support please contact the school for more information