The Importance of Wellbeing

Cassie Walton is the lady with the beautiful smile who radiates a sense of calm and warmth. She loves playing tennis, baking, andis known to enjoy a ‘chick flick’ or two.

Cassie is also our newest member of the Fairholme Wellness team.

‘It’s extremely important to have a wellness team in a school. Students are facing more and more challenges and complexities that contribute towellbeing issues and dilemmas,’ Cassie says.

A typical wellbeing session takes place in Cassie’s office, a warm and inviting space, located next door to our Head of Ministry, Cath Butler.

Cassie says issues discussed can range from anxiety around school exams, assignments, or relationship struggles.

‘A wellbeing session is guided by the girl’s need or desire. If a student is having friendship issues or wanting to gain some organisationskills or a safe place to talk about anything, I’m available to sit and listen.’

Growing up on a farm near Dalby and attending Boarding School herself, Cassie also understands the complexities our Boarderscan face when leaving home and starting at a new school. 

Some tips that Cassie suggests include, ‘Talk to someone, whether it is a trusted friend, parent or teacher, or making a wellbeing appointment to see me. It is always good to talk to someone. ‘Keeping active, getting adequate sleep, drinking water, eatinghealthily, staying connected with others and doing things that one enjoys are some tips to support one’s day-to-day wellbeing.’

After working as an accounting administrator, Cassie changed paths, taking up roles as a School Chaplain at Jandowae State School and Dalby State High School, before deciding to study Social Work, a challenge she said she was ready for.

‘I wanted to learn, grow and gain some new skills. Social work promotes the empowerment of people and I enjoy journeying with people and encouraging them to draw on their skills, abilities, resources and solutions to solve problems. Social work is very person led and directed, which Ilove.’

In Cassie’s spare time she enjoys travelling and seeing new sights, albeit prior to COVID-19 restrictions of course, but her favourite countries to visit are Switzerland and Germany.

She also shares a love for tennis and says her favourite time of the year is the Australian Open - she even has Roger Federer’s autograph! Cassie is looking forward to meeting parents and getting to know the girls. ‘I’m thoroughly enjoying working with theteam here to support the girls’ wellbeing, helping them achieve their potential and to thrive.’

Students can book in to see Cassie for a wellbeing appointment through the link on the wellbeing page on myFairholme or by emailing [email protected]