Our Wellbeing Program
Ensuring balance and health.
At Frensham, pastoral care and wellbeing are integral to everything we do. We firmly believe that there is no separation between academics and wellbeing — when one thrives, the other naturally follows. Our approach is grounded in truly knowing and understanding each student, and it is this personalised connection that forms the heart of our pastoral care program. We strive to ensure that all staff, over time, develop meaningful relationships with every student.
Our commitment to pastoral care extends beyond the classroom, seamlessly integrated into our Boarding Houses. Led by the Heads of House and the Director of Students, the wellbeing of our boarders is nurtured through tailored programs designed to support their emotional, social, and academic development.
In addition to the care and developmental learning that takes place in our residential setting by our Heads of House and Boarding Staff, a key element of our wellbeing program is a focused, structured ‘Form’ program, which takes place after Prayers most mornings of the week. This program is led by the Director of Students, with support from the Head of Wellbeing and Year Coordinators and is an essential part of our daily routine. It is linked directly to our Character Education Framework and involves presentations from internal and external providers. All teaching staff are involved in the Form Program, each taking responsibility for a form group, ensuring a consistent and supportive presence in students’ lives.
An important element of our Pastoral Care for new students is the Shadow and Crack system. Girls are allocated student mentors who play an important role in helping them to settle into and navigate the new School and boarding life, often becoming friends for life.
Shadows
All new students entering the School are assigned a ‘Shadow’, a student in Year 8 for Year 7 and where possible a student in the same Year, House and Tutor Group for students entering in Years 8-12. The ‘Shadow’ is given the responsibility for ensuring a smooth transition for the new student.
Cracks
Year 10, as Seniors of the Junior Houses, are also linked to a member of Year 7 and play a ‘big sister’ role for three years. For boarders particularly, the ‘Crack’ system is extremely important and core to the strong connections between students of different ages. All ‘Cracks’ are assigned by the end of Week 2 each year.
Counselling
Confidential support and care.
Students can access counselling support through the School Psychologist. Additionally, the Health Centre staff and Year Coordinators are trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid. Specialist counsellors are available to work with individual students on a confidential basis, with support offered both on and off-site, depending on the student’s needs.
About Merryn Wigger, Frensham Schools Counsellor.
Merryn Wigger joined Frensham in Term 4, 2023, as the School Psychologist. A latecomer to the field of psychology, she previously worked as a zookeeper before transitioning to a career focused on understanding and empowering people. Her curiosity about human behaviour grew through her work with animals, ultimately inspiring her to pursue psychology.
Before joining Frensham, Merryn worked in co-educational public schools, with a short break for maternity leave in 2022. Her daughter is a key motivator in her work, shaping her commitment to being the psychologist she would want her own child to see if ever in need.
Passionate about empowering young people, Merryn values the opportunity to walk alongside students through adolescence, learning from them as much as she supports them. She particularly enjoys working with junior school students, finding joy in helping them navigate big emotions. Her practice is guided by research, student-led goals, and the wisdom of her mentors. A quote by Brené Brown informs her approach:
“In order to empathise with someone’s experience, you must be willing to believe them as they see it and not how you imagine their experience to be.”
Having grown up surrounded by bushland, Merryn was drawn to the natural beauty of the Southern Highlands, where she has lived for the past eight years. Spotting her first wild breeding pair of Gang-gang Cockatoos and a koala in the wild has been a particular highlight.
Outside of work, she enjoys running, listening to podcasts, spending time with friends, and being with her family.
Health Centre
Comprehensive 24/7 medical and wellbeing support.
At Frensham, the health and wellbeing of our students are our highest priorities. We provide 24-hour medical care and support, with a team of highly experienced Registered Nurses, all of whom have specialised training in paediatrics or youth health as well as Mental Health First Aid Accreditation. Our nurses are on-site 24/7, ensuring immediate medical attention for students whenever needed.
Beyond day-to-day care, our Health Centre manages all allergies and medical conditions, working closely with students, families, and staff to implement tailored health management plans. We maintain strong relationships with local practitioners and allied health professionals, ensuring students have access to expert external support when required.
Join the Frensham community
Find out more about us with a personal tour of the School or begin the application process for your child. We look forward to welcoming you to the Frensham Schools community.