Tahlia was a vibrant, passionate and student focussed social worker who from the moment she walked into MWSC was committed to having a positive impact.
Tahlia started her journey at MWSC as a social work student on placement. It was evident very early on that Tahlia was more than ready to graduate and begin her career. At the end of her placement she was successful in obtaining a newly created position as Student Wellbeing Programs Coordinator.
Tahlia was in charge of our tier 1 interventions (whole school and year level programs) and tier 2 (targeted interventions). It was her leadership in targeted intervention programs where she flourished.Tahlia coordinated several programs focusing on supporting students personal growth which included, ‘Boys to Noble Men’, ‘Girlosophy workshop‘ and Teen Mental Health First Aid.She developed and facilitated several programs focusing on developing friendships, improving social skills, development of organizational skills and positive masculinity.
She was passionate about student led groups and provided many opportunities for student voice and agency. She mentored Year 10 students to provide wellbeing sessions to Mount Waverley North Primary school grade 5 and 6 students and helped them create a transition session which they delivered to our own Year 8 students- focusing on preparing for the move to the Senior Campus. She also led student focus groups – providing students with the chance to present to staff on key challenges.
Last year she started the ‘Diversity and Harmony Group’ and provided leadership and space for students from Year 7 to 12 to come together regularly and lead their own group on celebrating culture.
She led highly successful Wellbeing Days for Year 9, 10 and 12 students.
She recently finished the development of a reengagement program that will help those students who need some extra support and prevent them from developing ‘school can’t’ behaviors. This program took over 8 months to develop and will be ready to implement in Term 3.
She led our student projects group – providing advice and guidance to our placement students and Wellbeing Captains to ensure we celebrated key awareness days.
Although her main role was in programs, she also provided 1 v 1 support to students in the Junior Campus Wellbeing Zone.
She recently presented on the strengths of developing and delivering student wellbeing programs at a wellbeing forum for other school staff. Although she wasn’t a fan of public speaking – she did exceptionally well; receiving positive feedback from those who attended.
In the 2 years that Tahlia worked in the Student Wellbeing team – she had a significant impact on students and staff. Our Wellbeing Program is better for her involvement and our students are the beneficiary’s of the amazing programs she delivered. We are grateful for the time she spent with us and her legacy will live on in the programs she established and the lives she positively impacted.
Tahlia was an exceptional social worker, a passionate advocate for students, a respected staff member and a friend.. and she will be greatly missed.
Student Support and Resources Manager