Youth Workers – Sarah Geoghegan & Glen Caloon
Our dedicated Youth Workers support 'at risk' students to re-engage both in and outside of school. Covering personal, social, and academic areas, their work directly benefits students, families, the school, and the wider community. They play a vital role in helping young people grow into confident, capable, and connected individuals.
As part of their key role:
1. Individual– working closely with young people on a voluntary basis and in conjunction with a range of Community agencies, Youth Workers can provide check-ins, information, support and refer young people to external supports around topics such as:
- Financial barriers or difficulties
- Food, accommodation or housing difficulties
- Family conflict
2. Small Group – Youth Workers facilitate purpose-built programs to support small groups of identified students around a range of identified needs such as social skill development. One example of this is the Year 7 Spark Program where they aim to support students in developing positive learning behaviours, strengthening peer relationships, building confidence and motivation.
3. Whole School- Activities that focus on student re-engagement with school through activities and adult role modelling - e.g. life skills, Ready, Set, Life Club, Flag Football, Breakfast Club (Mon-Wed morning), Hype Hub and other special event participation such as face painting at Athletics Day and Wear it Purple Day.
Youth Workers at Indooroopilly State High support students beyond academics, helping them feel safe, connected and engaged. The program builds confidence, resilience and social skills, creating a sense of belonging and empowerment within the school community.
Their presence is not just reactive – it's preventative, practical and purposeful.