Churchill Avenue News

Welcome to the Student Portfolio

My name is Melissa D’Amico, and it has been an honour joining the community at Caroline Chisholm Catholic College as Deputy Principal – Students this year. I am excited to work alongside our students, families and staff to continue building a school culture where every young person feels safe, valued, connected and inspired to flourish.

The Deputy Principal – Students portfolio is centred on student wellbeing, engagement and growth. This role oversees the pastoral care structures across the College and works closely with students, families, teachers and support staff to ensure that each student is known and supported throughout their journey at the College. The portfolio includes student wellbeing programs, behaviour support, attendance, student voice and leadership, social and emotional learning, restorative practices, child safety and the coordination of support services for students who may require additional assistance.

At the heart of this work is the belief that students learn best when they feel safe, connected and supported. Education is about far more than academic achievement alone; it is about forming confident, compassionate and resilient young people who understand their value and their capacity to positively impact the world around them. As a Catholic school, we are called to nurture the whole person, spiritually, emotionally, socially and academically and this mission strongly resonates with me both professionally and personally.

What I am most passionate about is creating environments where young people feel that they truly belong. Every student deserves to feel seen, heard and respected. Adolescence can be a challenging and complex time, and schools play an incredibly important role in helping students navigate relationships, identity, wellbeing and personal growth. I am deeply committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, dignity and care where students feel confident to seek support, celebrate their strengths and learn from challenges.

I am also passionate about working in partnership with families. Strong relationships between school and home are essential in supporting student wellbeing and success. I look forward to connecting with families and working collaboratively to ensure the best outcomes for every student. Open communication, mutual respect and shared care for our young people are key to building a thriving school community.

Another area close to my heart is Child Safety. Ensuring that all students not only are safe, but feel safe, is fundamental to everything we do. Creating a culture where students know their voices matter and where respectful relationships are modelled and nurtured is a responsibility we all share.

This term we will launch the Child Safety Committee which will support the College’s commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and faith-filled environment for all students. The Child Safety Committee will provide a structured forum for monitoring, reviewing, and strengthening child safety practices in alignment with Catholic values. The objectives of the committee will be to promote a shared understanding of child safety, support compliance with Child Safe Standards, provide a platform for authentic student voice, review and improve policies and practices and identify risks and recommend strategies for improvement.

I feel incredibly privileged to have stepped into this role and to be part of the Caroline Chisholm Catholic College community. I look forward to continuing to get to know our students and families and contributing to a College environment where faith, learning, wellbeing and belonging are at the centre of all we do.

Melissa D'Amico
Deputy Principal - Students