Pulteney Wellbeing Services
Supporting every child's wellbeing
At Pulteney, the wellbeing of every child is a whole-school priority and is central to the student experience. We are an inclusive community where every student is valued, supported and encouraged to grow, challenge themselves and thrive.
We recognise that learning and wellbeing go hand in hand. Our approach supports students socially, emotionally, physically, intellectually and spiritually, while fostering a culture of belonging, respect and safety. We also value the important partnership between school and home, recognising that staff, families and students each play a vital role in supporting wellbeing.
Student Wellbeing
The Student Wellbeing team plays an integral role in supporting the social and emotional wellbeing of all Pulteney students.
Our dedicated staff bring expertise across a range of disciplines, providing evidence-informed support and guidance throughout the school day. Working collaboratively with students, families and staff, the team helps create an environment where every young person feels safe, supported and empowered to succeed.
Pastoral care at Pulteney is a shared responsibility. Students have access to support from their teachers, tutors, Heads of House, Heads of School, the Chaplain and the Student Wellbeing team, ensuring they always have trusted adults they can turn to for guidance and care.
Students can access confidential support by speaking with a trusted staff member or by contacting the Wellbeing Team directly during school term.
Email: wellbeingservices@pulteney.sa.edu.au
How we can support students and families
Students and their families are welcome to access the Wellbeing Team for confidential advice, guidance and specialised support.
Our team can provide assistance in a range of areas, including:
- Relationships and friendships
- Mental health and emotional wellbeing
- Organisation, study skills and learning strategies
- Motivation and academic engagement
- Sleep and healthy routines
- Parenting support and guidance
- Decision-making and resilience
- Grief and loss
- Personal and online safety
- Spiritual care and guidance
Pulteney's Wellbeing Team
Dr Tessa Opie, Head of Student Wellbeing and Support
Available Wednesday to Friday
tessa.opie@pulteney.sa.edu.au
Chris Clements, Head of Wellbeing – Services & Psychologist
chris.clements@pulteney.sa.edu.au
Sarah Ferguson, School Counsellor
Available Wednesday to Friday
sarah.ferguson@pulteney.sa.edu.au
Libby Hartley, School Counsellor
Available Monday to Wednesday
libby.hartley@pulteney.sa.edu.au
Matthew King, Head of Wellbeing – Junior School
matthew.king@pulteney.sa.edu.au
Heads of School
Jason Fay, Head of Junior School
jason.fay@pulteney.sa.edu.au
Lauren Connolly, Head of Middle School
lauren.connolly@pulteney.sa.edu.au
Zac Savage, Head of Senior School
zac.savage@pulteney.sa.edu.au
Contact our wellbeing team (Term time)
Our Wellbeing Team is accessible to students and parents/caregivers. If you, your child or family member would like to seek advice or support from one of our Wellbeing team, please email wellbeingservices@pulteney.sa.edu.au
Parent Resources
Supporting young people is a partnership between school and home. We encourage parents and caregivers to access the following resources developed to support student wellbeing.
External Support Services
If you or someone else is in immediate danger or requires urgent medical assistance, call 000 or attend your nearest hospital emergency department.
Lifeline
Phone: 13 11 14
24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Mental Health Triage (South Australia)
Phone: 13 14 65
Assessment and referral for people experiencing an acute mental health crisis.
Beyond Blue
Provides information, advice and support for people experiencing anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns.
Phone: 1300 22 46 36
Kids Helpline
A free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for children and young people aged 5–25 years.
Phone: 1800 55 1800
ReachOut
ReachOut provides practical information, tools and support for young people and parents navigating everyday challenges and difficult times.
Helpful resources include managing anxiety and stress, study and organisation tips, and building resilience and wellbeing.
7 Wellbeing Attributes
From the Early Learning Centre through to Year 12, students are provided with specialist lessons and programs centered on these seven wellbeing attributes.
More on the seven attributes:
Aspirational wellbeing
Students are supported to become optimistic young people, to be aware of their capacity and of the possibilities in their life, to dream and plan for the future.
Cognitive wellbeing
Students cultivate self-awareness, to be wise and confident decision makers and understand how to learn effectively and think critically.
Emotional wellbeing
Students develop the capacity to become resilient and resourceful with the capability to exercise self-control and manage a range of powerful feelings and develop positive coping strategies.
Moral wellbeing
Strong community values, modelled on inclusion, empathy, compassion, justice and fairness, are fostered in students. Students are in turn empowered with the integrity and confidence required to be accountable for their individual choices.
Physical wellbeing
Students develop habits that enable long-term health and safety and enjoy the benefits that come with being physically healthy.
Social wellbeing
Students learn how to build and grow positive relationships in diverse contexts.
Spiritual wellbeing
Students are part of a community shaped by the deepest meanings and values through which people choose to live their fullest expression of their humanity.