Strathfield Girls High School provides a range of welfare programs and activities to complement the comprehensive curriculum offered by the school.
The school welfare team is made up of a dedicated team of teachers. Welfare programs are supervised by the Welfare Head Teacher while three Team Leaders share overall responsibility for the student body. Year Advisers and teachers work closely with the Welfare Head Teacher and Team Leaders to ensure students are growing and maturing in an environment that is nurturing and positive.
Students, staff, parents/caregivers or other members of our school community who would like a full copy of the Welfare Policy should contact the Administration Office.
Programs
Transition program - This program is designed to help students make the transition from Primary to High School a positive and welcoming experience. Students are encouraged to come to the school during Year 6 to get to know the school, teachers and staff in order to make the transition more comfortable and to encourage them to feel secure in their new environment.
Peer Mentor Program - students are trained to assist students when they first arrive at school to settle into the school routine. A peer mentor is able to help answer questions about the school, provide support while a student is settling in and making new friends.
Peer Support Program - The Peer Support Program is regarded as an integral part of our school's overall Student Welfare Program, and will be coordinated by Head Teacher Welfare. It is run for Year 7 with the support of selected and specially trained Year 10 student leaders. The program helps develop skills in effective communication, decision-making, problem solving, assertiveness & conflict resolution and assissts Year 7 each year settle into the school. Year 7 students meet with their Peer Support Leaders early in term one and work through exercises to make them feel welcome and part of the school group. Our Peer Support Camp each year brings together all the work done during the Peer Support training and is a fine way to build secure lasting friendships in the year group.
Big Sister Program - Our big sister program is an informal program that encourages each of our older students to informally meet students and talk about school issues. Aimed at encouraging a close knit school community this program allows each student to help and support other students in the school.
Study Skills Workshops - 'bright sparks' and ‘stressbusters' are study skills workshops for Year 11 and 12 students. Workshops support student learning and empower them to succeed. Workshops focus on time management, note making, organisation and exam skills. Motivation and dealing with stress are also addressed along with the need to keep a balance between study, physical activity, diet and relaxation.
Peer Mediation Program - when students need a little help to sort out problems, older students who have been trained as Peer Mediators, are available to help them talk through their issues and resolve problems in a safe and secure environment while feeling supported by fellow students.
Living Skills Programs - This program is run in Years 7 and 8 and helps to provide a well rounded education. Topics covered include: settling in to high school, friendship, social skills, responsibilities, crime prevention, managing personal health, getting on with people, how to get help, local services, domestic violence, drug use, bullying, body image, first aid, dealing with conflict, homophobia, being a member of the community and driver education.
Anti-bullying Program - the School does not tolerate bullying behaviour. Antibullying units of work, including development of conflict resolution skills and the need to report bullying behaviour, are integrated into the curriculum, especially the Living Skills Programs.
School Assemblies – regular school assemblies build strong year group bonds and encourage students to see themselves as part of the group. Assemblies provide the opportunity to celebrate student success and address issues of interest to particular year groups.
Leadership opportunities
The elected SRC provides an opportunity for students to develop their leadership skills. It also enriches our welfare structure by allowing students the opportunity to participate in school management issues. The Student Representative Council is a group of students who are elected by the whole student body to represent students in all years and is the student leadership group. The prefects constitute the Executive of the SRC. The council meets regularly to discuss issues raised by the students and has regular meetings with the principal and other invited staff members to discuss improvements and changes. In addition, members represent the school at various functions and chair school assemblies.