Gilroy Catholic College is taking practical steps to actively support teen mental health, ensuring that the whole school community, including parents and carers, are upskilled in the area of Mental Health First Aid.
At the school staff level, the Principal, Assistant Principal, all Year leaders, Teacher’s Aides, and the Diversity team have all received training in Youth Mental Health First Aid. In terms of the students themselves, the College provides annual training for Year 10 students in Teen Mental Health First Aid (TMHFA). This equips the students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to recognise, understand and respond to a friend or classmate experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis.
Last year, for the first time, the College extended Youth Mental Health Training to its parent body, recognising the valuable role parents play in enhancing the mental wellbeing of their children. Building on the success of this initiative, a 2024 parent training course has just been run. Consisting of an e-learning component and two face to face sessions, the course equipped parents with the skills to assist teenagers with mental health concerns.
Parents take part in Mental Health First Aid Training at Gilroy
Parents were made aware of the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems in young people, and learnt where and how to get help. Parents were also given the skills to provide first aid in a mental health crisis situation.
At the conclusion of the course parents were given the opportunity to take an online quiz to gain accreditation as a Mental Health First aid provider through Mental Health First Aid Australia. The parent training was delivered by Paul Smith, one of the School Counsellors from Gilroy Catholic College who sees this as the next step in improving youth mental health outcomes.
“As we continue to navigate the challenges of raising a teenager in the 21st century it's evident that actively supporting their mental health has become an essential responsibility of parenting,” Paul said.
It's important that as parents we equip ourselves with the knowledge and skills to better support our children and we acknowledge the important role parents play in fostering a healthy and resilient mindset in our teenagers.
Principal, Cheryl Merryweather, says Gilroy is committed to working collaboratively with their parents and the broader school community.
“It is important that we work together to enhance the outcomes and wellbeing of the teengers in our care and to help develop a generation better equipped to face the challenges of the future,” Cheryl said.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
-
![ARTiculate HSC Visual Arts Showcase Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese]()
![CathWest Innovation College]()
24 Jun 2025
Try a Career Day @ CathWest McCarthy Campus
Year 10, are you curious about trying a career...? Register for CathWest's 'Try a Career Day' at the CathWest McCarthy Campus!![CathWest Innovation College]()
01 Jul 2025
Try a Career Day @ CathWest Loyola Campus
Year 10, are you curious about trying a career...? Register for CathWest's 'Try a Career Day' at the CathWest Loyola Campus!
Instagram | Gilroy
More News
22 May 2025
From Facebook
On Monday this week, the first day of National Volunteering Week, students from Gilroy Catholic College took part in a volunteer mission day at Foodbank, selected through the Mary MacKillop Service Awards Program and our Active Volunteering course. The students gained meaningful hands-on experience by packing orders in the warehouse to support regional community partners helping those facing financial hardship. Together, they packed an impressive 10,623kg of food for vulnerable individuals, which is equivalent to 19,122 meals! We are extremely proud of their dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to serving others.
21 May 2025
From Facebook
The Gilroy Catholic College Chess Competition is well and truly underway! There are 24 students competing, divided into the Junior (Years 7 and 8) and Senior divisions (Years 9 to 11). The competition runs until Week 8 and is based on a points system. The students with the most points will play in the semi finals in Week 9, the winners of those matches will play in the grand final in Week 10. It is wonderful to witness the enthusiasm of the students and the respect they show each other as they play their weekly games. They are a talented group of students!
21 May 2025
From Facebook
20 May 2025
From Facebook
Some extra special news from the Maths Department! Recently, 30 of our talented Year 7 and 8 Mathematics students completed their first round of the Mathematics Olympiad. The Olympiad is an exclusive competition requiring students to display their skills by solving complex maths problems. Whilst all the students should be commended on their achievement of completing their first Olympiad, special mentions need to be made to the following students who received 4/5 marks: Xio (Year 7) Leo Kim (Year 7) Aarav Lall (Year 8) Lydia Prendergast (Year 8) An EXTRA special mention to Valda (Year 8) who received 5/5 marks. Well done Valda! Bring on round two on 12 June!
20 May 2025
From Facebook
An update on our post from last week, regarding Year 12 student Matthew, who competed in the World Triathlon Series in Japan over the weekend. Matthew finished in 6th place, beating fellow Australian Jeremy Peacock for the first time. He was by far the youngest competitor to race in the category, where the next youngest competitor was 11 years older! The event included a 750m Swim, 21 kilometre ride and 5 kilometre run. Congratulations Matthew, on the latest of your amazing achievements!
19 May 2025
From Facebook
This week, Gilroy Catholic College had the absolute pleasure of welcoming Michael Basan from SEDA and Maddison Phillips, a 2024 Gilroy graduate, to speak with our students about SEDA’s exciting dual credential diploma program in Business and Sport. With strong links to high-profile industry partners, the SEDA program allows students to gain real-world experience while completing nationally recognised VET qualifications. Michael shared valuable insights into the program, while Maddison spoke about how SEDA has supported her journey after school. It was especially inspiring for our students to hear from a recent Gilroy graduate now thriving in a dynamic, hands-on learning environment. Thank you to Michael, Maddison, and the SEDA team for giving our students a glimpse into this unique post-school pathway! #GilroyCatholicCollege #SEDA #Pathways #SportAndBusiness #GilroyAlumn
19 May 2025
From Facebook
16 May 2025
From Facebook
👏 Congratulations to Kaelan, for receiving first-in-course for the 2025 Standard 1 Maths Assessment Task 2! 🏆
16 May 2025
From Facebook
Congratulations to Gilroy Catholic College Year 11 student Chloe, for winning the prestigious Nev Britten Memorial award in the junior division of Go Karting and qualifying second in the senior division. This is quite an accomplishment at the NSW Titles, considering the extensive field of drivers in both divisions. We wish Chloe all the best with her upcoming competitions.
15 May 2025
From Facebook
On Tuesday, Gilroy Catholic College Year 7 and 8 students were treated to a presentation by Brainstorm Productions. Their appealing narrative, relatable characters, movement, music and humour gave the students practical strategies for resilience, cyber safety and positive mental health. We thank Brainstorm Productions for their engaging presentation.
14 May 2025
From Facebook
On Friday 9th of May, our Year 10 students showcased their skills in their PDHPE practical assessment for Ballroom Dancing. The creativity, enthusiasm, and dedication they brought to the floor were truly impressive! Our judges took note of the strong commitment students showed in both their performances and the preparation leading up to the big day. Well done, Year 10!
13 May 2025
From Facebook
Our Year 12 students returned from their retreat last Wednesday, after three unforgettable days of reflection, connection, and spiritual growth. From Monday to Wednesday, they stepped away from the everyday to focus on their journey—exploring faith, building stronger bonds, and finding quiet moments to pause and reflect. It was a meaningful experience that we hope will stay with them as they take on the final stretch of their school year.
12 May 2025
From Facebook
Gilroy Catholic College Year 12 Student Matthew, will be competing at the World Triathlon Para Championship Series in Yokohama, Japan on the 17 May. He only found out late on Wednesday night and flies out tomorrow for Japan to commence his preparation for the race! Matthew will represent Australia against six Paralympians, one of which is a world champion. We congratulate Matthew on this fantastic achievement and wish him the best of luck in Japan!
12 May 2025
From Facebook
Gilroy Catholic College students Carlton (Year 9) Caleb (Year 10) were selected for the Southern NSWCCC AFL team and recently attended the NSW trials. The boys played with enthusiasm and heart and although not selected to progress to the next level, they showed amazing sportsmanship. Well done on your efforts boys!
12 May 2025