Wellbeing and Engagement at CHES
At CHES, your wellbeing matters as much as your learning. Wherever you study — onsite, online or from your base school — you're part of a community that reaches out, connects and looks after one another. Below you'll find the people, places and resources here to help you feel safe, supported and ready to do your best.
- THE PEOPLE BEHIND IT -
Our Wellbeing & Engagement Team
Assistant Principal — Wellbeing & Engagement
Fab is one of the Assistant Principals at CHES and the wellbeing and engagement contact for students undertaking Higher Education Studies (HES). He leads student wellbeing, health and safety, and the daily operations of the school, fostering an inclusive environment where students feel supported and inspired to reach their full potential.
Wellbeing & Engagement Leader (VCE)
Alan brings a wealth of experience to his role. A former Boarding School Housemaster and Head of a Senior School, he has a balanced understanding of the issues students face at VCE level. He has taught Literature for many years and was one of the pioneers of Extended Investigation when it was introduced to the VCE curriculum in 2014.
Wellbeing & Engagement Leader (Enrichment Electives)
Mardon is an educator and leader with experience across research, curriculum, student enrichment and wellbeing. A former Head of Science, he teaches VCE Extended Investigation and leads the Enrichment Electives program — helping high-ability students extend their learning while being held to high expectations.
Mental Health Practitioner
As a member of the school wellbeing and engagement team, Meaghan delivers direct counselling and early-intervention support, both individually and in groups. With degrees in Education, Psychology and a Masters in Youth Mental Health, she also coordinates support for students with complex needs. By her side is Daisy, our certified Therapy Dog.
Academic Support Officer
Fan holds a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Education specialising in Student Wellbeing. Drawing on over a decade of experience as an international student in Canada and Australia, he brings empathy and cultural awareness, delivering personalised, holistic support to help students thrive academically and emotionally.
Certified Therapy Dog
Daisy is a female toy cavoodle, therapy-trained by K9 Support. She delights in coming to CHES with her tail wagging, in the expectation of being cuddled, patted, and napping in her princess bed. Her favourite part of the day is soaking up the caring attention of students. Daisy believes she's in charge of CHES — and we all pretend with her.
- ON CAMPUS -
Our amenities
Orientation Programs
Our orientation programs for VCE, Higher Education Studies, and Enrichment Electives foster a smooth transition to hy-flex learning and university-level study, building student confidence, academic skills, and social connections. It includes welcome activities, skill development workshops, and introductions to university resources and academic staff. These programs are designed to support all students, regardless of location or mode of study, ensuring they feel part of the CHES community. For VCE students, orientation includes a three-day headstart program at the end of the preceding year. For HES students, orientation is held in February once enrolment has been confirmed. For students accepted into our Enrichment Electives, orientation is held at the start of each semester.
- GOOD TO KNOW -
Commonly asked questions
How can I access the wellbeing and engagement resources at CHES?
Start by contacting your Wellbeing & Engagement Leader (WEL) through CHES MS Teams. Talk through your concerns and request support, and the WEL will discuss strategies and supports available to you. They can provide a referral to our Mental Health Practitioner. You'll find the full step-by-step pathway in the Need support? section below.
Are the CHES wellbeing and engagement services free?
Yes. Wellbeing and engagement support at CHES — including counselling and early-intervention through our Mental Health Practitioner - is provided to CHES enrolled students at no cost. The external services listed below are also free to contact.
What external wellbeing and engagement services can I access as a CHES student?
A range of free, confidential services are available around the clock, including:
- Lifeline - 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline (ages 5-25) - 1800 55 1800
- headspace (ages 12-25) - 1800 650 890
- Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636
The full list, with what each service offers, is in the Need support? section.
- Mental health & wellbeing -
Need support? You are not alone.
How to access support at CHES? | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Contact the Wellbeing & Engagement Leader (WEL) assigned to you (EE, VCE, or HES) through CHES MS Teams to discuss your concerns. |
| 2 | Your Wellbeing & Engagement Leader will discuss strategies and supports available to you; referral to our Mental Health Practitioner (MHP) if needed. |
| 3 | Ensure your base school supervisor is aware that you are engaging with supports through CHES. |
| 4 | If you have a referral to our MHP, they will reach out to you to finalise the referral and book a time to meet with you. |
- External Services avaliable to you -
Mental Health Services and Support
SWPBS Matrix
At CHES, we use a School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) Matrix to clearly define and teach the positive behaviours we expect across all areas of our school. The matrix outlines how our core values are demonstrated in different settings, helping students understand what respectful, responsible, and safe behaviour looks like in everyday situations.
Rather than assuming students know what is expected, we explicitly teach, model, and reinforce these behaviours throughout the year. This consistent approach creates a positive, supportive learning environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Our SWPBS Matrix provides a shared language for staff, students, and families, ensuring expectations are clear, consistent, and focused on building a strong school culture where everyone feels valued, included, and successful.
If you tell me what CHES stands for and what your school values are (e.g., Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, Safety, Kindness), I can customise the blurb to align directly with your SWPBS Matrix.
Quicklinks
CHES is located on the lands of the Wurundjeri People and we wish to acknowledge them as Traditional Owners. Our school community pays respects to their Elders, past, and present and extends this respect to Aboriginal Elders of other communities. CHES respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Victoria and pays respect to the ongoing living cultures of First Peoples.