Our School Psychology Service is staffed by highly competent and experienced psychologists who work collaboratively across the Shore community. Their expertise supports our commitment to providing comprehensive, specialist care for students and families.
In addition to individualised interventions, our psychologists deliver evidence-based psychoeducational workshops and targeted small group programmes designed to proactively develop social-emotional skills and resilience necessary for lifelong wellbeing. Recognising that student wellbeing extends beyond School, these programmes also offer support to parents and carers, nurturing healthy family systems and reinforcing positive outcomes at home. This integrated approach ensures students receive seamless support across all environments, fostering social-emotional competencies essential for academic success and personal growth. Below is a snapshot of programmes the team facilitated in the second semester of 2025.
Minding Your Mental Health
Our Year 12 students participated in a comprehensive mental health workshop designed to support their wellbeing during their HSC journey. The session emphasised maintaining perspective around HSC performance, reinforcing that academic results don’t define personal worth. Character and intrinsic value remain constant regardless of ATAR outcomes. Through a positive psychology framework, students explored the concept of human flourishing and how chronic stress without adequate recovery depletes energy reserves, leading to burnout and undermined performance. Practical strategies for effective assessment preparation, anxiety and stress management were explored, including mindfulness and other stress reduction practices, and the development of recovery rituals that facilitate optimal performance states that eventually become positive habits. The session concluded by encouraging appropriate help-seeking behaviours when required, empowering students with tools to maintain mental wellness throughout their academic journey while finding genuine pleasure in learning and contributing meaningfully to their community.
Seasons for Growth
Selected students participated in the Seasons for Growth programme - an Australian evidence-based early intervention programme based on the belief that change and loss are a natural part of life, and grief is a normal response to these losses.
This small group programme aimed to respond to and support students impacted by the death of former students and community members. Participants learned how significant loss impacts their lives while developing essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes to respond optimally to such experiences. Based on J. William Worden’s grief theory, the structured programme incorporated age-appropriate activities including writing, drawing, discussion, storytelling, role-play, and journaling. Peer-to-peer learning with others who have experienced similar situations, the small group setting created a safe space for students to practise new ways of thinking and responding to change and loss, equipping them with valuable life skills for future challenges.
Friends For Life
Our School psychologists led Year 7 Boarding students through an engaging and supportive workshop designed to reflect on their first year of high school, build emotional awareness, and strengthen peer connections. The session included group discussions, light activities, and personal reflection tasks that helped students identify their strengths and resources, share experiences, and develop practical strategies for managing stress, handling conflict, and supporting one another. With a focus on preparing for the transition into Year 8, the workshop encouraged a positive mindset, stronger communication skills, and a shared vision for a respectful and inclusive Boarding House culture.
Science of Sleep
Our Year 12 Boarding students participated in a psychoeducational workshop exploring the vital science of sleep and its impact on health, academic success and overall wellbeing. The session unpacked the architecture of sleep, focusing on the different types of sleep and their distinct functions. Students learned that sleep cycles shift throughout the night and that sleep loss disproportionately affects cognitive function, especially memory consolidation – critical for academic performance. The workshop also provided practical evidence-based sleep hygiene strategies, including maintaining consistent bedtime routines, limiting evening screen time, and optimising dormitory environments for better quality sleep. The broader message for the students was the importance of prioritising healthy sleep habits, particularly during periods of academic transition and emotional growth, but also because of its scientifically demonstrated power as nature’s most powerful restorative healing tool.
Ms Eleni Langas
Head of School Psychology Services
Wellbeing Support Q&As
1. How does Shore support student wellbeing across all year levels?
The House system and our pastoral team are the first line of support for boys’ wellbeing at Shore. They are supported by a dedicated team of clinical psychologists that works alongside staff, students, and families. Support can begin early and continue through to Year 12, combining individual care with proactive programmes that help boys build emotional awareness, resilience, and healthy habits that support learning and life beyond School.
2. Are qualified psychologists available on campus?
Yes. Shore’s Psychology Service is staffed by experienced, highly qualified psychologists who provide specialist support within the School environment. They work collaboratively with teachers, Housemasters, families and external health care providers to ensure students receive timely, informed care evidence-based intervention that is sensitive to each boy’s stage of development and presenting issue.
3. How does Shore help students manage academic pressure and HSC stress?
Shore recognises that Senior schooling brings heightened pressure. Our psychologists deliver targeted workshops for Year 12 students that focus on perspective, stress management, and sustainable performance. Boys are taught that academic results do not define their worth, and they are equipped with practical strategies to manage anxiety, maintain energy, and seek support when needed.
4. What support is available for students experiencing grief or significant change?
In addition to one to one counselling support, Shore offers evidence-based programmes such as Seasons for Growth, small-group support for students navigating loss or major life changes. These sessions offer a safe, guided space where boys can understand their experiences, learn healthy ways to respond, and develop skills that support emotional growth over time.
5. How does Shore support the wellbeing of Boarding students?
Boarding wellbeing is a priority at Shore. Psychologists work closely with Boarding staff to deliver programmes that support emotional adjustment, peer relationships, and personal growth. Workshops for younger Boarders focus on connection, communication, and managing the transition to high school life, strengthening a sense of belonging within the House. Workshops for older Boarders focus on strategies that promote wellbeing and optimal functioning such as improving sleep hygiene.
6. Does Shore take a preventative approach to mental health?
Yes. In addition to individual support, Shore places strong emphasis on early intervention and prevention. Seminars run by external experts, and psychoeducational workshops and small group programmes are designed to build skills before challenges escalate, helping boys develop healthy responses to stress, change, and relationships.
7. How does Shore involve parents in student wellbeing?
Shore recognises that wellbeing extends beyond the school day. Our School and Psychology Service support parents and carers through parent seminars, resources like School TV, guidance, and education, helping families reinforce positive strategies at home. This partnership approach ensures students experience consistency and care across both school and family life.
8. How does wellbeing support academic success at Shore?
Emotional wellbeing and learning are closely linked. By helping students manage stress, sleep well, process challenges, and maintain perspective, Shore creates the conditions for boys to engage more fully in their learning. Wellbeing is not separate from academic success - it underpins a boy’s ability to grow, contribute, and flourish.