As the School Social Worker, I support students and families facing challenges that may affect a student's comfort, confidence, and readiness to learn. These challenges can manifest in various ways, including friendship difficulties, behaviour issues, emotional struggles, or home life. My goal is to help kids feel happier and more engaged so they can thrive at school.

I typically start by working with parents and caregivers, offering the following support:

• Parent Consultations: I provide practical advice and strategies to help manage challenges such as separation, grief, anxiety, or school avoidance at home.
• Referrals to External Services: If a child’s needs extend beyond what the school can provide, I assist families in connecting with the appropriate support services.
  
  I also collaborate with teachers and the wider school community to foster an environment where students can succeed.
  This includes:

• Teacher Consultations: I work with teachers to develop strategies for supporting individual students to thrive in the classroom.
• Classroom Adjustments: I help implement changes to make learning more accessible for students facing challenges.
• Case Management: I coordinate with families, teachers, and external services to ensure students receive the necessary support.

 In my interactions with students, I provide:

Individual Support: I conduct short-term sessions to help kids process emotions, build coping skills, and develop confidence. I use play-based and storytelling approaches to create a safe space for students to express themselves and navigate challenges naturally. If longer-term support is needed, I will guide parents in accessing external services.

Group Work: I run programs throughout the year (IGNITE and specific peer groups) that focus on social skills, emotional regulation, and resilience-building in a fun and supportive environment. During the year, I will respond to any challenges that year groups may be facing and lead classroom social-emotional learning opportunities.

Responsive Support: There are days when students may feel unsettled—due to high emotions, friendship issues, or challenges at home. In these moments, I provide quick check-ins or ad-hoc support to help them through the day. This support is usually short-term; if ongoing assistance seems beneficial, I will discuss options with parents and obtain their consent before proceeding.

My ultimate goal is to help kids feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. Whether through individual sessions, group work, or assistance for families and teachers, I am here to help students navigate challenges and build the resilience they need to succeed. If a student's issues are related to external factors, I will work with parents to connect them with the appropriate services and support systems.

Referrals to the Social Worker can be made through:

•  Your child's teacher
• The admin office
• Assistant principals
• Directly via email: Mary.Lynch@cewa.edu.au