Meet our Director of Student Wellbeing
The past year has seen a renewed focus on Wellbeing at St Catherine's School. With the commencement of Lyn Henshall, Director of Student Wellbeing, several new School initiatives have been introduced to further support our students, ensuring they are given every opportunity to succeed and thrive.
Tell something of your working and educational background.
I am a psychologist and teacher and I have spent many years in extension and support of students. Previously, I worked at the Association of Independent Schools of Victoria (AISV), where my role encompassed providing advice to independent schools on issues around wellbeing and organising professional development for teaching staff. The position also included administering a government grant to promote and improve the resilience of students in Victorian independent schools, and I also represented AISV on various cross-sectoral committees in the area of wellbeing. Prior to this, I was Vice Principal, Student and Family Welfare at Tintern Schools.
What have you found to be the best part of your role?
Definitely the relationships I have built. I really enjoy working with students, staff and parents and seeing positive results in our girls.
What initiatives are you working on in the coming year?
I will be working closely with the Director of Curriculum and VCE, Patty Wallace-Smith, to continue to build on the current pastoral programs that we are offering, to ensure they meet the needs of St Catherine's students, as well as parents. I would like to see the development of further programs that encourage, support and develop our students as they progress through the School.
Aside from your work, what other interests do you have?
My other love is choral music, and I have already had the chance to get involved in the St Catherine's Music program. I am Associate Conductor of the Victorian Welsh Male Voice Choir and Music Director of Choir Victoria (formerly the Victorian Boys' Choir). I play the piano and ‘cello, although I do not find much time to practise!