The Hub
Kempsey Adventist School operates a Student Wellbeing Centre which was named by the students ‘The Hub’. The Hub serves to support the immediate and ongoing developmental needs of each child’s spiritual, intellectual, physical, social and emotional wellbeing.
Students gather at The Hub during breaks in the day to talk, play games, eat or to just have a quiet, safe space. The Hub staff are able to check in with students to give support and encouragement if necessary.
The services flow into the classroom and playground, supporting students and teachers to tailor programs to meet each child’s needs at the current time. Wellbeing workers and counsellors support students to learn.
The Hub aims to connect with parents, carers and extended families in order to further support the young people. Constant communication between all parties is essential for growth to occur.
On needs basis, group programs are held to support students with social and emotional learning, where trained facilitators are able to teach and model situations that young people may be facing and provide strategies for success.
The Hub is able to refer students and families to various local support agencies when required.
Shonel Jackson, school counsellor, completed her degree in Social Work at Newcastle University and worked in the role as an Early Intervention Practitioner for young people at risk of homelessness in the Newcastle area for five years. Shonel has completed a Masters in Social Work specialising in Couple and Family therapy through Charles Sturt University. Shonel works on a part-time basis at the School on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, offering support to primary students, secondary school students and their parents. Shonel is known as Mrs J and her office is located in the hub.
Jessica Rex first began working at Kempsey Adventist School as a Student Wellbeing Worker in 2016. Jess’ experience working with young people began in Canada, where she worked in outdoor education, in inner city drop in-centres, and in after school programs with at-risk youth in her hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Jess, known at KAS as Ms M, stepped into the role of Assistant Wellbeing Manager in 2019. She recently complete her Diploma of Community Services. Ms R works on a full-time basis at KAS to provide support to primary students, secondary school students and their families. She is responsible for the Wellbeing Team’s daily intake and referral processes. Ms R is passionate about connecting members of the KAS community with the support they need to thrive in their daily lives- whether that is support within the school context, or with the support of external community services.