Parents, carers and the community

As a parent or carer, you are an important part of our school community. We offer a range of services to support you and your family.

Parents and Citizens’ Association (P&C)

The Newtown High School of the Performing Arts Parents & Citizens Association provides an opportunity for parents and carers to participate in and contribute to the educational experiences of NHSPA students.

The P&C provides a forum to consider ways to support the interests of the school by creating cooperative partnerships within the community and providing assistance for improved facilities to promote student learning and wellbeing.

The P&C team is committed to supporting the school and our students in a spirit of positive partnership. All NHSPA parents and carers are welcome to join the P&C and attend meetings that run twice a term at 6pm on Tuesday evenings.

Counselling for students

A teacher may recommend the service by referring a student to the school’s learning and support team or wellbeing team. As a parent or carer, you may refer your child directly to the school counselling service. Students can also self-refer to the service.

The school counselling service can:

• Support students who are experiencing moderate to severe mental health difficulties, through skill and strategy building. Example: Low mood, anxiety, body image issues, self-harm and suicidal ideations
• Assess a student’s learning and behaviour
• Help teachers and students identify and address disabilities that may affect learning
• Liaise with other agencies regarding student wellbeing.

If you would like to refer a student to the school counselling service – please contact the school.

See also attached a link to who the best team member at our school is to support you with your child’s needs. School counsellors play a role in much larger wellbeing and learning support team, there are many other supports within the school who also may be able to help you help your child/student.

For information in community languages, see school counselling service.

External Services

Outside of the education system, there are a number of services available to support families or students who may be going through a difficult time. See below some helpful links to support your child and your family.

• Wanting to find an external psychological service for your child, or concerned about their safety
  • Mental health access line – 1800 011 511
• Concerns about disordered eating behaviours or body image
  • Inside Out - https://insideoutinstitute.org.au/
  • Butterfly foundation – 1800 33 4673 or https://butterfly.org.au/get-support/helpline/
• Telehealth Counselling
  • Lifeline – 24-hour telephone counselling service. Ph: 13 11 14.
  • Mensline Australia – 24-hour telephone counselling service for men. Ph: 1300 789 978.
  • Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636 or www.beyondblue.org.au/forums
  • KidsHelpline – 1800 551 800 or www.kidshelpline.com.au
  • Headspace – 1800 650 890 or www.headspace.org.au
  • Reachout – www.reachout.com
• Parent support
  • Parent line – an advice and information service. Ph: 1300 1300 52.
  • Suicide call back service – 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
  • StandBy – Support after suicide – 1300 727 247
  • If you are experiencing or at risk of family and domestic violence call 1800 RESPECT ; 1800 737 732 toll free

Interpreting and translations

We will help you communicate with our school. If you’d like an interpreter for a school meeting, let us know and we will arrange one, if available.

If you don’t speak or understand English well and want to contact us, call TIS National on 131 450 and ask for an interpreter in your language. The operator will call the school and get an interpreter to help. This service is free.

For more information, listen in your language.

Visit the department’s translated documents section for important information that’s relevant for your child’s education in many languages.