Student Well-Being
Student wellbeing and support services
Life as a high school student can be fun and rewarding but also challenging.
At Westland High School we want every student to succeed. We have a wide range of support services that are here to help students address issues and concerns so that they have the best high school experience possible.
WHANAU:
Westland High School is a close-knit family environment. Each student is allocated to a hapū group upon joining Westland High School. Each hapū is divided into whānau groups (form classes) that are made up of students from years 7 to 13.
Whānau groups meet each morning for registration and information sharing. This enables students to gain peer support and form friendships with those in different years. Our senior students are expected to be positive role models for younger students and to help them wherever possible.
The whānau teacher acts as the first level point of call for pastoral care issues and can assist with career guidance, goal setting and general welfare.
Each Hapū has an English and Māori name and an assigned primary colour which is worn on special occasions, for example, sports days.
- Air – Hau – White
- Earth – Papa – Green
- Fire – Ahi – Red
- Water – Wai – Blue
OTHER SUPPORT NETWORKS:
Our comprehensive support networks are also available including:
- Guidance Counsellor
- Careers Advisor
- Free weekly health clinic
- PB4L Positive Behaviour for Learning initiative
- Student Council (Rūnanga Tauira)
- Academic and Pastoral Leaders
- Te Whare Atawhai (The House of Kindness): Provides learning support for students who need extra assistance
- Restorative Justice practice
- International Student Support
- WHS Friends of the School
EXTERNAL PLACES STUDENTS CAN GO TO FOR HELP:
Below is a list of some other services available in New Zealand that offer support, information and help. All services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week unless otherwise specified.
National helplines
Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Healthline – 0800 611 116
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
Depression-specific helplines
Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 (to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions)
www.depression.org.nz – includes The Journal online help service
SPARX.org.nz – online e-therapy tool provided by the University of Auckland that helps young people learn skills to deal with feeling down, depressed or stressed
Sexuality or gender identity helpline
OUTLine NZ – 0800 688 5463 (OUTLINE) provides confidential telephone support
Helplines specific for children and young people
Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
thelowdown.co.nz – or email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626
What’s Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds). Phone counselling is available Monday to Friday, midday–11pm and weekends, 3pm–11pm. Online chat is available 7pm–10pm daily.
Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 (0800 kidsline) for young people up to 18 years of age. Open 24/7.
Help for parents, family and friends
Commonground – a website hub providing parents, family, whānau and friends with access to information, tools and support to help a young person who is struggling.
Parent Help – 0800 568 856 for parents/whānau seeking support, advice and practical strategies on all parenting concerns. Anonymous, non-judgemental and confidential.
Family Services 211 Helpline – 0800 211 211 for help finding (and direct transfer to) community based health and social support services in your area.
Skylight – 0800 299 100 for support through trauma, loss and grief; 9am–5pm weekdays.
Supporting Families In Mental Illness – For families and whānau supporting a loved one who has a mental illness. Auckland 0800 732 825. Other regions’ contact details are listed here.
Other specialist helplines
Alcohol and Drug Helpline – 0800 787 797 or online chat
Are You OK – 0800 456 450 family violence helpline
Gambling Helpline – 0800 654 655
Anxiety phone line – 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY)
Quit Line – 0800 778 778 smoking cessation help
See also: Apps, e-therapy & guided self help