Wellbeing at Northern Bay College
The Student Wellbeing Team at Northern Bay College takes a holistic, prevention-focused approach to supporting young people. We believe all students can achieve great things when they are supported to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. Our work centres on building strengths early, fostering resilience, and equipping students with skills to cope with adversity and life’s challenges. The team brings together a diverse range of experienced professionals from allied health backgrounds, including youth work, chaplaincy, social work, psychology, and occupational therapy. By working collaboratively with students, families, and staff, we aim to support every person to become best version of themselves.
I am proud to be a part of the Northern Bay College community, and have been fortunate to work at NBC since the beginning of 2020. As College Wellbeing Leader, I have over 12 years experience working in mental health within education. I believe strongly that young people can be the best version of themself when they are supported by a safe, inclusive school environment, with positive connections and community surrounding them.
My approach is grounded in strengths-based and solution-focussed practice, with a strong focus on prevention, relationships, and community. I am passionate about creating wellbeing spaces that are proactive, supportive, and centred around the individual needs of each young person. I believe that building trust, connection, and a strong sense of belonging are key foundations for learning and personal growth. I also value working collaboratively with families, staff, and external services to ensure students feel understood, supported, and empowered to succeed both within and beyond the classroom.
Nathan Brock
College Wide Wellbeing Leader
Wellbeing Programs & Activities
Each year, Northern Bay College delivers hundreds of preventative, relationship-based programs and activities across all campuses, supporting students from Prep to Year 12. These tailored initiatives are designed to meet the diverse needs and interests of young people, helping them grow as confident, connected, and resilient individuals.
Students engage in a wide range of experiences including Surf Therapy in partnership with OceanMind, skateboarding skills, chess clubs, Dungeons & Dragons groups, fishing, gardening, and targeted social skills development. Daily breakfast programs also support wellbeing by ensuring students are ready to learn and start the day positively.
Across all activities, the focus is on building strong relationships, fostering belonging, and developing the personal and social capabilities that enable every student to thrive both in and beyond school.
Mental Health Practitioner Initiative
Northern Bay College employs Mental Health Practitioners (MHP) through the Department of Education Initiative to support students in years 7-12. MHPs provide early intervention and time-limited supports for students with mild to moderate mental health needs, including direct counselling and mental health promotion for students and schools. Students can be referred to the Mental Health Practitioners by speaking to the Campus Wellbeing Team.
LGBTQI & Supports
In alignment with the Victorian Department of Education’s LGBTIQ Student Support Policy, the Wellbeing Team at Northern Bay College is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex, queer, questioning and asexual (LGBTIQA+). Through targeted awareness building, education, and health promotion, the team supports understanding across the school community. Students are supported to access to appropriate resources and safe spaces where identity is respected, fostering wellbeing, belonging, and positive mental health outcomes.
SWPBS
The Wellbeing Team at Northern Bay College works in alignment with School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) to support young people in developing self-regulation, empathy, and responsibility. Through this framework, the team helps students understand and practise positive behaviours in a consistent, supportive environment. Rather than focusing on punishment, the emphasis is on teaching skills, reinforcing expectations, and guiding students to make positive choices. Over time, it helps young people grow into confident, capable individuals who can navigate school life and beyond with greater independence.