Staff Wellbeing Plan at St Columba’s College
This year, we are proud to introduce our first dedicated Staff Wellbeing Plan; a modern, responsive and meaningful initiative shaped by the voices of our staff.
Listening attentively to staff feedback, we have crafted a plan that honours our community, supports our people, and stands out in the education sector.
Teaching is one of the most demanding yet rewarding professions. Recent data paints a concerning picture: a 2023 report from the Black Dog Institute found that nearly 47% of Australian teachers are considering leaving the profession within the next 12 months, a sharp rise from just 14% in 2021.
In the same study, 70% reported unmanageable workloads, 60% of recent absences were attributed to mental health or emotional issues, and rates of depression, anxiety and stress among teachers were far higher — 50%, 46%, and 60%, respectively — than those in the general population (blackdoginstitute.org.au).
In recognition of these pressures, our Staff Wellbeing Plan is intentionally strategic, holistic and adaptive, not a one-off, superficial measure. It is designed to address stress, safety, work–life balance and emotional wellbeing, particularly in light of such clear evidence of risk and need.
Purpose and Benefits of a Staff Wellbeing Plan in Schools
Retention and Sustainability
Supporting wellbeing directly counters factors that drive teacher attrition: burnout, emotional exhaustion, workload and safety concerns
Enhanced Staff Engagement and Performance
Well supported staff are more confident, skilful and fully engaged. According to the Tes Wellbeing Report, 87% of school staff feel skilful, 75% feel confident in their roles, and 76% say they throw themselves into their work, even under pressure (link.springer.com, theeducatoronline.com).
Stronger School Culture and Trust
A wellbeing plan signals that staff are valued, heard and cared for; these are core ingredients for trust and belonging, which underpin a thriving school environment.
Improved Student Outcomes
Teacher wellbeing is closely linked to students’ academic and emotional success. When staff are supported and healthy, everyone benefits.
Proactivity over Crisis Response
Rather than react to issues as they arise, the Plan provides structured, ongoing support through training, mental health resources, workload adjustments, wellbeing check-ins, safe space forums, and tailored interventions based on staff feedback.
Our Tailored Approach
- Responsive and Informed: The Plan draws directly on staff experiences and feedback, ensuring it remains relevant, useful and evolving.
- Whole School Focus: It encompasses all staff including administration staff, and support teams, learning support officers, not solely teaching staff
- Dynamic Structure: An annual review is built into the Plan so it adapts to emerging challenges and aligns with priorities such as work–life balance, safety, and professional support.
Our inaugural Staff Wellbeing Plan is not just timely; it is essential. It affirms our commitment to creating a respectful, safe, engaged and sustainable workplace in which each member of staff can flourish. By listening, responding and investing in our people, we believe our school will continue to thrive, not only academically but as a healthy and vibrant community.
Monica Kacela, Human Resources Manager