At Mount Waverley North Primary School, we are proud to have Chilli, our wonderful therapy dog, as a part of our school community. Chilli brings comfort, joy, and emotional support to our students, helping to create a calming and friendly environment. As a certified therapy dog, Chilli plays an important role in supporting students’ wellbeing, helping them feel more relaxed and engaged. Whether providing companionship during stressful moments or simply bringing a smile to students’ faces, Chilli is a valued member of our school family, contributing to heartwarming connections and positive experiences for all.” and add “At Mount Waverley North Primary School, our wellbeing team is dedicated to nurturing a supportive, inclusive, and thriving learning environment. Led by our Wellbeing Coordinator—a teacher who specialises in supporting students’ social and emotional development—the team works closely with staff, parents, and students to foster resilience, engagement, and overall wellness. Through personalised support and proactive strategies, our wellbeing team ensures every student feels valued, confident, and equipped to succeed both in the classroom and beyond.
Chaplaincy Program
At Mount Waverley North Primary School, we take great pride in our Chaplaincy Program. This pastoral care initiative is designed to support our students, parents, and staff through various challenges they may encounter. Matters of faith are only addressed when a child or parent expresses a desire to discuss them. Our School Chaplain works with the Student Wellness Coorindator Megan Holt and the Wellbeing of Learning, Learning Specialist Andy Aufderheide, to make up the Wellbeing team.
Our Chaplain – Carol Knox
Our dedicated Chaplain, Carol Knox, provides essential one-on-one support and offers several valuable programs tailored to both students and staff. Carol collaborates with students, parents, and teachers to help navigate the complexities of daily life. Her presence offers comfort, providing someone to talk to, listen, encourage, and walk alongside those in need. Today’s children often face significant issues such as family break-ups, grief, addictions, anxiety, and conflict, which can impact their ability to concentrate and learn.
Accessing the Program
The Chaplaincy Program can be accessed through self-referral, parent referral, or teacher referral to the principal team. Carol is available to support both students and parents and is present at the school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information, please contact the school office.
The Role of a Chaplain
The primary role of a Chaplain is to provide care and support. They offer a listening ear and are an additional adult figure who can support our children in various ways. Specifically, a Chaplain can:
- Run pastoral programs, such as Lunchtime craft
- Listen to children when they need to talk
- Provide pastoral care, including encouragement and support
- Run support groups or short courses (e.g., anger management, grief support, social skills)
- Assist in resolving issues when a child is disruptive or not coping in class
- Refer children to other professionals when necessary
- Support teachers in class and assist as needed
- Listen to and address teachers’ concerns
- Connect with parents, especially when the family is struggling
- Be available to talk with parents about their concerns regarding their children
We are committed to ensuring that our Chaplaincy Program continues to be a valuable resource for our school community, fostering a supportive and caring environment for everyone involved.
