As the new term begins, there is often a sense of excitement as our students reconnect with friends, meet new educators and settle into new routines. Alongside these opportunities, however, the start of term can also bring uncertainty, change and adjustment.
At Alice Smith School, we recognise that emotional wellbeing is an essential part of every child's learning journey, which is why our Counselling Team is committed to supporting our students, staff and families throughout the year.
Our focus is more than just responding to challenges when they arise. It is about creating a school environment where wellbeing is valued, emotions are understood and every member of our community feels supported to thrive. Through support, individual guidance and practical resources, the Counselling Team helps students develop the confidence, resilience and coping skills needed to navigate both everyday experiences and more significant life challenges.
At Primary, our students and families are supported by counsellors E-Hua and Lophren, while at Secondary, we have Natasha and Chia Chee. Each counsellor brings their own unique approach to counselling, centred around providing quality, effective and empathetic support to all.
The department is overseen by Prakash Ravindran, Wellbeing & Flourishing Lead, who provides strategic leadership and support across our whole-school approach to wellbeing.
Together, the team shares a simple but powerful message: when we share our challenges and find healthy ways to carry them, difficult experiences can become more manageable.
One area of focus at the beginning of every academic year is supporting students through periods of transition and emotional adjustment. Whether starting school for the first time, moving into a new year group or adapting to new expectations, transitions can bring a range of emotions. While many children settle quickly, others may need additional reassurance as they adjust to unfamiliar routines and environments.
Familiar structures provide a sense of stability and help students navigate change with greater confidence. Equally important is creating opportunities for children to express how they are feeling. Through conversations, creative activities, drawing or play, children can process their emotions and build the skills needed to manage new experiences successfully.
At Alice Smith, emotional wellbeing is viewed as a shared responsibility. Our educators, support staff, counsellors and families all play an important role in helping children feel connected, valued and understood. By working together, we can ensure that students not only achieve academically, but also develop the emotional literacy and self-awareness needed to flourish both in and beyond school.
Supporting wellbeing extends beyond students. Schools are communities, and the wellbeing of staff is equally important. Educators dedicate significant time and energy to supporting our children, and maintaining their own wellbeing enables them to continue doing so effectively. This year, our Counselling Team has introduced a Self-Care Calendar designed to encourage small, achievable daily actions that support emotional, mental and physical wellbeing.
The idea behind the calendar is simple: self-care is most effective when it becomes part of everyday life rather than something we turn to only during periods of stress. Small actions taken consistently can have a meaningful impact on overall wellbeing, helping individuals build positive habits that support balance, resilience and self-awareness. The initiative also serves as an important reminder that taking care of ourselves is not selfish; it is essential.
One of the most important messages and key takeaways from the Counselling Team is that support is always available. Whether a student is adjusting to a new environment, navigating friendships, managing emotions or simply needing someone to talk to, there are members within the school community ready to listen and help.
As we move through the year together, we remain committed to fostering a culture where wellbeing is prioritised alongside learning, where emotions can be discussed openly and where every individual feels empowered to ask for support when they need it. By nurturing emotional wellbeing, we create the foundation for students and staff alike to grow, connect and thrive.
At Alice Smith School, we believe that learning flourishes when individuals feel safe, supported and understood. Through the work of our Counselling Team and the collective care of our community, we continue to build an environment where wellbeing is not an afterthought, but an essential part of everyday school life.