A new chapter in student wellbeing

Cass Gleeson, Director of Student Wellbeing

When students feel safe, supported and connected, they’re better able to engage, take risks and grow — both in the classroom and beyond it. I’ve recently stepped into the role of Director of Student Wellbeing, and I’m looking forward to building on the strong foundations already in place here at the College, to help our students continue to thrive.

Wellbeing at The Geelong College

The wellbeing of our students has always been at the heart of who we are - and it’s a privilege to continue this tradition as I step into the role of Director of Student Wellbeing.

I bring over a decade of experience in student wellbeing across schools, with expertise in youth mental health, developing staff capacity in wellbeing, and linking wellbeing and learning practices to best support the development of young people.

Prior to commencing at The Geelong College, I worked in Catholic education and held leadership positions, including Director of Campus, Head of Senior School, and Acting Deputy Principal – Staff and Student Wellbeing.

However, it was my earlier work as a coordinator that solidified my passion for supporting students to thrive - and for understanding how wellbeing sits at the centre of school life.

In 2021, I completed a thesis-based Master’s degree investigating the impact of mental health in schools, with a focus on building teacher and school-wide self-efficacy in supporting students facing mental health challenges.

Wellbeing and learning: hand in hand

A strong sense of belonging, positive relationships, and emotional resilience form the foundation for intellectual growth.

Recent research - including studies by the University of Melbourne and the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) - confirms that when students feel safe, supported, and connected, their engagement and academic outcomes improve significantly.

Throughout my career, I’ve seen this firsthand.

When young people feel safe, valued and supported, they don’t just do better personally - they do better academically, too.

Supporting wellbeing is not an “addition” to education - it is essential to every young person’s ability to thrive, both in the classroom and beyond.

A year of growth and focus

This year, we’ve deepened our focus on anti-bullying, student voice, and social-emotional development across the College.

Students engaged thoughtfully with Brainstorm Productions, which used live performance to explore themes of respect, kindness, and personal responsibility. Our partnership with LifeChanger further supported students in building resilience, selfawareness, and goal-setting.

We also welcomed Australia’s leading cyber safety expert, Susan McLean, who shared clear and practical guidance with both students and families.

International Women’s Day was another highlight. Bridgette Kelly’s address inspired students to consider the small, everyday actions that contribute to fairness and inclusion. Many students pledged personal commitments that now stand as a visible reflection of our shared values.

Looking forward: innovation in wellbeing

The concept of student wellbeing is not new - but the world young people are growing up in has changed dramatically in the past decade.

Building on a strong foundation, we are now developing a new College Wellbeing Action Plan and reimagining our current wellbeing framework. This work honours the traditions and values that have long shaped the College, while also embracing current research, innovation, and best practice.

Crucially, this plan places student voice, staff capacity, and community partnerships at the centre. Wellbeing

is not the responsibility of one team - it’s a shared commitment, shaped by every adult who teaches, leads, coaches, or supports our students.

Our focus moving forward includes:

• Providing all students with explicit opportunities for social-emotional growth and development that are continually reflected in our culture and daily operations.

• Building the mental health literacy of our entire community, including staff, students, and parents/ carers.

• Continuing to develop inclusive learning environments and practices.

• Building upon our Respectful Relationships programs and embedding these within our wellbeing frameworks and practices.

• Enhancing student agency and voice, and using data to inform best practices.

• Strengthening our understanding, connections, and collective ownership of wellbeing across staff, students, parents, and the broader community.

We are also developing a modern Wellbeing Framework that will clearly articulate our vision and direction moving forward. It will be a model that is dynamic, inclusive, and meaningful - ensuring that every student feels seen, supported, and empowered throughout their journey.

I am deeply proud to be part of this next chapter at The Geelong College, and look forward to walking alongside our students, staff, families and alumni as we continue to build a thriving, connected and compassionate community - one where every young person has the support they need to flourish.