A study undertaken by the Black Dog Institute and University of New South Wales has uncovered some preliminary effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of young Australians. Some of it's findings indicate that the pandemic has significantly impacted learning due to increased levels of stress and uncertainty.

David Martin, CEO of Western Riverina Community School in Griffith says that community schools provide a supportive pathway to future education and employment opportunities that could assist young people with mental health barriers to education.

WRCS supports dozens of students in Griffith to stay engaged in education despite the majority of them experiencing a range of mental health concerns such as severe anxiety.

"When students are experiencing extreme stress or anxiety, fight or flight mode kicks in and focus on learning becomes impossible," Mr Martin explained.

"As a special assistance school we operate in a highly supportive environment. We believe everyone has a story to tell and this informs a student's learning.

Each student has an individualised learning plan which is takes into consideration a student's welfare needs, background, any gaps in prior learning and the student's individual long term, future goals.

Mr Martin explained that the innovative nature of community schools allows them to address broader community needs such as student mental health through programs designed to put the individual student at the centre of the approach.

Students at WRCS work towards a Record of School Achievement which focuses on literacy and numeracy that then allows them to go on to further higher education or employment. Without the support from WRCS to get through the ROSA many students would be left with few options to pursue future opportunities.

"We ultimately want to support our students to achieve the ROSA because that's the stepping stone to their future," Mr Martin said.

READ MORE