Supporting the Whole Child

All Saints’ College (ASC) is pleased to welcome our inaugural PhD Intern, Stella McLaughlin, who joins our community as part of her doctoral research at Curtin University.

Stella’s thesis, Transitioning out of high school: Understanding risk and protective factors associated with mental health and wellbeing, aligns closely with the College’s focus on a holistic approach, our nurturing of the whole person – academically, socially and emotionally.

The internship is supported by The Beyond Boundaries Institute (BBI) through Curtin Industry Exchange and will see Stella working with the College two days per week across a total of 60 days. Stella’s project, ‘Audit of Social Emotional Learning Programs and Student Wellness’, aims to create a clearer and more connected understanding of the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs delivered across the College and to map student wellness data to help inform meaningful, proactive support for our young people.

SEL is embedded in ASC’s approach to education, supporting students’ self-awareness, emotional regulation and relationships, helping build resilience and empathy. ‘Our aim is for every student to feel seen, heard and supported, not just academically, but as a whole person,’ said Jeanette Sealy, Director of Senior School (Student Wellbeing).

‘Through this partnership, we’re working to create a clear scope and sequence for SEL that builds year by year, ensuring each program is age-appropriate, purposeful and connected. This will help us strengthen what’s already working and introduce new approaches that support every child’s growth, wellbeing and readiness for life beyond school,’ added Jeanette.

At All Saints’, these programs are embedded within the curriculum and co-curricular life of the College, although knowledge of specific SEL programs sits across various departments. Stella’s audit will help consolidate this, providing a central overview to identify gaps, strengths and opportunities to enhance student wellbeing.

In the first phase of her project, Stella will explore best practice SEL in independent, co-educational K–12 settings, followed by a detailed analysis of programs currently in place. Stella will then review student wellness data to help identify patterns and better align support with students’ needs across the academic year. The final phase will see Stella deliver a comprehensive report with recommendations for strengthening SEL at ASC. This will help guide the College’s future planning as well as contribute to broader educational conversations.

‘This partnership will help give us the tools to truly listen to our students, understand what’s working well for them and what’s not so we can respond in ways that make a real difference,’ said Jeanette. ‘When we understand their experiences, we can create a learning environment where every child feels safe, supported and inspired to thrive. That’s something every parent and educator wants for the young people in our care, and it’s at the heart of what we as a community are building together at ASC.’

This work reflects the College’s commitment to student wellbeing as its highest priority, and is expected to provide valuable insights to support the College in this commitment.